I met Netanya
at the rail station
it was January and cold
and she was dressed up
in the blue overcoat
and headscarf
and I was
in my combat style
overcoat and hat
you made it ok?
I said
yes he asked
where I was going
and I said
for a walk to get him
out of my head
she said
we got tickets
and boarded a train
and off we went
to Brighton
the carriage was crowded
but we seemed alone
or so it felt to me
will he imagine you
going to Brighton?
no he won't think anything
too busy watching TV
and drinking his beer
she said
she held my hand
and talked of her kids
and her father
who wasn't well
and looking forward
to meeting you
she added
I looked at her
as she spoke
her hair dark and curled
her eyes bright as stars
we made it to Brighton
and got off the train
and walked down
to the seafront
hand in hand
the sky dark
stars
moon
and lights from shops
and pier
and somewhere
out there
I thought
another life
another world
buzzes on
while here we walked on
along the seafront
taking in the scene
the smell of salt
and sound of sea
crashing on the shore
and her hand small
warm in mine
and the sense
of life going on around
and I feeling
(oh)so fine.
A MAN AND WOMAN ONE EVENING IN BRIGHTON IN 1975.