Elaine folds
and unfolds
a flowered

handkerchief
in her lap
in the bus

(the school bus)
her sister
beside her

talking to
her best friend
Elaine knows

the boy John
sits near by
she can see

him if she
leans over
the seat top

but she sits
where she is
feeling down

and depressed
she'll tell John
when she can

what they say
the others
Old Frumpy

they call her
her hand smooths
the flowered

handkerchief
in her lap
corners neat

edges straight
it is John's
handkerchief

he gave it
when she cried
the last time

it was clean
and unused
when he gave

smelt of soap
and fresh air
it absorbed

her wet tears
when held there
and John said

at that time
the kiss was
meant to show

what I feel
and she can
(if she sits

quietly)
feel it still
on her lips.