Bennett
was a big boy
a bruiser to look at
but he was a ***** cat
once you got
to know him.
He loved history
like I did
and he sat
at the desk
in front of mine.
He was wide
so I couldn't see
past him
so had to look
over his shoulder
to see the board.
Bennett
Mr Finn said
where was
the Magna Carta signed?
At the bottom Sir
Bennett said.
Fits of laughter
and guffaws.
QUIET
Mr Finn shouted
I meant
where about
in England
was it signed
the teacher
stated firmly.
Runnymede Sir
Bennett said
reddening.
Anyone else
where is Runnymede?
Kids looked
at each other.
I put up my hand
(a rare occurrence).
Yes Coles?
Finn said
eyeing me.
Surrey Sir
I said.
Right who signed
the Magna Carta?
Finn asked
anyone except
Bennett?
King Henry VIII
said Dennis
wiping his finger
(snot green)
on his grey
trouser leg.
Finn shook his head
anyone else?
****** Mary
a girl sitting next
to Helen said.
Finn sighed
Coles?
King John Sir
I said
looking at
Bennett's back
broad as an oxen.
Correct
Finn said
and wrote it
on the board
with dates
and names
in white chalk.
There was silence
no murmuring
no grinning
no talk.
Jul 1, 2017
Jul 1, 2017 at 3:51 PM UTC
Bennett
was a big boy
a bruiser to look at
but he was a ***** cat
once you got
to know him.
He loved history
like I did
and he sat
at the desk
in front of mine.
He was wide
so I couldn't see
past him
so had to look
over his shoulder
to see the board.
Bennett
Mr Finn said
where was
the Magna Carta signed?
At the bottom Sir
Bennett said.
Fits of laughter
and guffaws.
QUIET
Mr Finn shouted
I meant
where about
in England
was it signed
the teacher
stated firmly.
Runnymede Sir
Bennett said
reddening.
Anyone else
where is Runnymede?
Kids looked
at each other.
I put up my hand
(a rare occurrence).
Yes Coles?
Finn said
eyeing me.
Surrey Sir
I said.
Right who signed
the Magna Carta?
Finn asked
anyone except
Bennett?
King Henry VIII
said Dennis
wiping his finger
(snot green)
on his grey
trouser leg.
Finn shook his head
anyone else?
****** Mary
a girl sitting next
to Helen said.
Finn sighed
Coles?
King John Sir
I said
looking at
Bennett's back
broad as an oxen.
Correct
Finn said
and wrote it
on the board
with dates
and names
in white chalk.
There was silence
no murmuring
no grinning
no talk.
