Ingrid sees Benedict
from the balcony
he's in the Square

riding a blue scooter
a two wheeled affair
pushing himself along

with his right foot
his small quiff of hair
moving there

in the morning air
his opened necked
shirt short sleeved

and jeans blue
fading to grey
she wishes

she could ride
the scooter
could have

some fun
feel the air
of freedom

in her dull
brown hair
riding with him there

but her father
in his moody blues
has tanned her hard

and said not
to go beyond
the space of balcony

or beyond
not just out
of punishment

imposed
but in case
others see

on leg or thigh
bruises and welts
to blind the eye

now Benedict
races fast
his foot

pushing hard
and quick
O to be there

with him
to feel
his hand

in hers
or feel
his words

of humour
warm her heart
and ease her

troubled mind
now he stops
and turns

and sees
and stands
and waves

but shakes
her head
she can no more

leave her space
than the dead
can leave their graves.