Anne didn't like
the sight of the rain
she saw from the upper bedroom
she stood supported
on her crutches
gazing out
through the net curtains
look at that bloody rain
she said
I suppose we'll be stuck
in here all day Kid
you stared out
standing next to her
we could do jigsaw puzzles
or read books
you said
I don't want
to do any more
fucking jigsaw puzzles
I've had enough of them
she said
stomping her crutches
on the wooden floor
I want to go out
she said
but it's raining
you said
and they won't let us out
while it's like this
who cares about them
she said
I'm going out
but they'll see you
you said
not if we're careful
she said
we?
you said
yes we Kid
me and you
are going out
you stared at her
beside you
her dark hair
brushed neatly
her dark eyes
gazing at you
how?
you said
the sisters are everywhere
they'll see us
she closed her eyes
and stomped to the door
of the room
and pushed it shut
with one of her crutches
we're going Kid
and that's it
you looked at her
standing there
her back to the door
her one leg firm
on the floor
ok
you said
which way out?
we'll go out
by the side door
and along through
the side trees
but you can't get
the wheelchair down there
it's too narrow
you said
we'll walk then
she said firmly
ok
you said
and she smiled
good Kid
now go see
if the coast is clear
and I'll come down the stairs
as quiet as I can
she said
she moved out the way
and you went outside
and along the passage
looking to see
where the nuns were
and if any
were near the stairs
none was there
you walked back
to the bedroom
and told Anne
who nodded
and followed you
along the passage
and down the stairs
her crutches click clicking
on the way down
at the bottom she stopped
and looked both ways
you listened for voices
or footsteps
come on Kid
she said
and crutched her way
along the side passage
which led to the side door
you followed
at the door she paused
and looked out
at the rain
you looked by her
and saw the rain
hitting the glass panel
open up Kid
she said
and you opened the door
and she pushed you out
and followed close behind
her crutches going
at quite a pace
as you walked
through the rain
along through the trees
you sensed your clothes
getting wet as you moved
the raindrops falling
through the branches above
she was just behind
cursing and swearing
her dress clinging to her
as she moved along
then you moved
under the shelter
of the small summer house
at the back of the garden
near the back wall
here you both stood
out of the wet
watching the rain falling
and near by here and there
birds were calling
and there as you turned
to look at her
the dress showing
the outline of her leg
and stump
the dampness showing
her 11 year old frame
and from the nursing home
someone was calling
out her name.