#1958
Why I believe in beautiful women on Venus.
Queen of Outer Space is a 1958 American color science fiction
feature film in CinemaScope, produced by Ben Schwalb, directed by Edward Bernds, that stars Zsa Zsa Gabor, Eric Fleming, and Laurie Mitchell. The screenplay by Charles Beaumont, about a revolt against
a cruel Venusian queen, was based on an idea supplied by Ben Hecht, originally titled Queen of the Universe. The film was released theatrically
in some markets on a double feature with the Boris Karloff film Frankenstein 1970 a 1958 science fiction/horror film, shot in black
and white CinemaScope, starring Boris Karloff and featuring Don "Red" Barry. The independent film was directed by Howard W. Koch,
written by Richard Landau and George Worthing Yates and produced
by Aubrey Schenck. It was released theatrically in some markets
as a double feature with the Zsa Zsa Gabor film Queen of Outer Space.
Baron Victor von Frankenstein (Boris Karloff) has suffered torture
and disfigurement at the hands of the Nazis as punishment for not cooperating with them during World War II. Horribly disfigured,
he nevertheless continues his work as a scientist. Needing funds
to support his experiments the Baron allows a television crew to shoot
a made-for-television horror film about his monster-making family
at his castle in Germany. This arrangement gives the Baron enough money to buy an atomic reactor, which he uses to create a living being, modeled after his own likeness before he had been tortured. When the Baron runs
out of body parts for his work, however, he proceeds to **** off members
of the crew, and even his faithful butler, for more spare parts. Finally,
the monster turns on the Baron, and they are both killed in a blast of radioactive steam from the reactor. After the reactor is shut down
and the radiation falls to safe levels the monster's bandages
are removed and an audio tape is played back in which the Baron
reveals that he had intended for the monster to be a perpetuation
of himself because he was the last of the Frankenstein family line.
Captain Patterson (Eric Fleming) and his space crew (Dave Willock,
Patrick Waltz and Paul Birch) take a rocket to a space station near Earth.
En route, however, the space station is destroyed by an intersellar energy beam which also affects their rocketship. The space crew crash land
on Venus and are captured. They learn the planet is under the dictatorship
of the cruel Queen Yllana (Laurie Mitchell), a masked woman who has
most men, keeping only mathematicians and scientists on a prison colony moon which orbits Venus. In the palace, the astronauts are aided by a beautiful courtier named Talleah (Zsa Zsa Gabor) and her friends (Lisa Davis, Barbara Darrow and Marilyn Buferd). The women long for the
love of men again and plot to overthrow the evil queen. When Patterson
has the opportunity to remove the Queen's mask, he discovers she has
been horribly disfigured by radiation burns caused by men and their wars.
In a fury, the Queen decides to destroy Earth and its warlike peoples
but she dies in the attempt. The Venusians are free again to enjoy
the love of men.
Nov 7, 2018
Nov 7, 2018 at 8:11 PM UTC
The film starts with narration from Mother Nature herself,
discussing an experiment with Father Time
that went horribly wrong; On the fictional island of Wongo
she has created a tribe where the men are brutish & ugly
& the women exceedingly beautiful.
She then creates another tribe on a nearby island called Goona
where the women are repulsive & the men are strong
and handsome; For years the two tribes lived unaware
of each other's existence, until ape men from across the
ocean attack the village of Goona. The tribe sends the son of their
king to seek help against the invaders.
The son finds the island of Wongo
the day before the village men are to pick their brides &
the women, seeing the handsome prince,
begin questioning their life among the ugly brutes
that dwell in their village. The men growing jealous
of their visitor, plan to **** him. The women of Wongo,
finding out about the plot, risk their lives to protect
the handsome prince, in doing so offending
the crocodile god of the Wongo people
[portrayed by stock footage of a crocodile
and rubber model]. The women are rounded up
by the village men & sent into the wilderness
until the reptile god has drawn blood for the slight;
The women banding together, watch each other's backs
until the ape men arrive at their village &
the women dispatch the invaders to their god,
the women then leave in search of the men
that had abandoned the island of Wongo.
In Goona, the men begin their rite of manhood,
in which they go into the jungle without weapons
for a month. The women of Wongo coming upon
the weaponless men, decide to take advantage
of their helplessness & one by one, claim them in marriage;
The film concludes with all the beautiful men and women married & the ugly men with the ugly women.
Aug 27, 2018
Aug 27, 2018 at 9:49 PM UTC
The morning scene from the balcony
of the flats is before you, the sky light
blue, washed out, dim clouds. You see
kids playing on the pram sheds, in the
Square, skip-rope or football or riding
bikes too big for them. Down below,
Lydia, comes out of her parents' flat
and stands on the red tile doorstep and
peers out. You call down to her and she
looks up. You ask if she wants to go see
steam trains at London Bridge. She says
yes and comes up the stairs. The coal lorry
stops across the way; the coal man gets
down from his cabin. Two boys play cowboys
down by the fence, riding their invisible
horses out of sight. Lydia comes up on to
the balcony. She's dressed in her dull red
dress; her straight hair is brushed unskilfully.
You tell your mother where you are going
and she says ok, but be careful. You walk
with Lydia down the concrete stairs. She
talks of her mother's moans and her father's
talk of overtime and where he's going and
on which train. You reach the ground floor
and walk through the Square, down the slope
and along Rockingham Street. You talk of
the film your old man is taking you to see
on Saturday, some Western film. She talks
of her big sister coming in at an unsociable
hour(her mother's word) and puking most
of the night keeping her awake on and off.
A train steams over the railway bridge noisily.
You walk past the post office and turn right.
Traffic passes by. You show her a pack of
stamps you bought for your stamp collection.
She looks at them disinterestedly. You walk
past the police station where you once took
a pigeon that had a damaged wing trapped
in cardboard box. You wonder what happened
to it as you walk past. The policeman stared at
you then the box and smiled at you an innocent child.
Mar 9, 2018
Mar 9, 2018 at 3:42 AM UTC
She stopped at a passage
of a page she'd been reading.
You know what aphelion is?
I looked out at the coal wharf
over the way. No idea, I said,
thinking maybe a villain of
some kind. She drew her
finger across the page.
Means the furthest point
in a planet's...she hesitated,
in a planet's orbit from
the sun, she said, turning
to gaze at me. What's the
book? I asked, looking away
from the coal wharf, looking
at her with her straight brown
hair and deep brown eyes.
I borrowed it from the school
library, she said, about science.
I looked at the book's cover
with planet's, plants and two
pictures of animals. She said
about her big sister puking
in the night into a bucket.
She closed the book and
placed it on the grass.
I wondered about a planet
and its orbit, but the image
of sister puking came to mind
pushed the planet away,
and whatever the scientist
had to say.
Feb 24, 2018
Feb 24, 2018 at 8:05 AM UTC
Anne stuck her tongue out at
the back of the departing nun.
A third degree on her bad behaviour
with the other kids at the nursing
home and her attitude with other
nuns had been noted. The stump
of her amputated leg throbbed;
her absent toes itched. The nun
crossed the lawn and disappeared
into the home. The Kid walked over
to where she sat in her wheelchair
and sat beside her. What did the
penguin want? He said. She's had
complaints about me, Anne replied,
the sick prats have grassed. He gazed
at the leg stump where she'd pulled
up her red skirt. Looks redder than
usual, he said. Have your eyeful, Kid,
she said moaningly. Have you showed
Sister Paul? He said. I wouldn't show her
my backside if it was on fire, she replied,
pulling down her skirt. Push me out
to the beach, Kid, I need sea air, she said.
O.k., he said, and pushed her wheelchair
along the avenue of trees to the back
gate and out by beach and sea. Breath
in the air, Kid; this is it; the wildness of
the sea and the wind blowing free.
Sep 30, 2017
Sep 30, 2017 at 12:50 PM UTC
Lydia's father was up early
he was on an early shift.
Lydia got up and drifted
into the sitting room
where he sitting at the table
eating toast and sipping his tea.
Up early Princess
couldn't you sleep?
Gloria's got most of the bed
and she throws her arms out
when she's sleeping,
Lydia said.
Her father looked at her:
what are you upto today?
Might go out with Benny.
Where you going?
Lydia shrugged:
don't know depends
on where we decide.
Her father smiled:
quite a couple aren't you.
Might go to Victoria train station
see the steam trains,
she said.
Mind the roads,
he said.
We'll probably go by bus
if Mum'll let me have the fare,
she said.
He raised his eyebrows:
good luck with that Princess;
more chance of getting blood
out of a stone.
He finished his tea
and toast and left.
She sat there gazing
at his empty all cup
all alone.
Sep 6, 2017
Sep 6, 2017 at 12:45 PM UTC
Shush shush
the steam train
started up.
Lydia and Benny
watched as the last
few passengers
jumped aboard
the train.
The guard
waved a green flag
When shall we go
to the seaside?
she asked.
When we get
enough money
he said.
How much
do we need?
she said.
Don't know
I'll ask at the ticket office
he said.
So they walked
back up
the platform
passed the ticket collector
who had let them
on to the platform
to watch the trains.
Benny went
to the ticket office.
A man with glasses
looked at him
Yes?
How much
does it cost
for two kids
to go to South End?
The man looked at him
then looked at a book.
Lydia stood
patiently
behind Benny.
The man told
Benny the fare
and Benny said
thank you.
They walked
back on to the platform
to watch
the next train come in.
He told Lydia
the amount
of money needed
for the fare.
It'll take us ages
to get that money
she said.
Guess it will
he said.
Ages
she repeated.
Want a glass of milk
and a biscuit
he said.
Sure
she said.
So they walked
to a small cafe
on the railway station
and had milk and biscuit
instead.
Aug 11, 2017
Aug 11, 2017 at 4:07 AM UTC
Lydia and I
were sitting on the grass
at the side
of Banks House.
We were
playing Snap.
She was wearing
an old dress
which had seen
better days
and grey socks
which were
once white.
A big row
this morning
she said.
What about?
I asked.
Well Dad
came home
late again last night
drunk and was singing
at the top of his voice
some Irish song
and Mum was not pleased.
Anyway it started again
this morning and ended
with Mum throwing
cups and saucers at him
and him ducking
trying to reason with her
but once she off on one
you can't reason with her
so I came out
Lydia said.
Sounds exciting
I said.
Well it wasn't
she said
don't your parents
ever row?
Now and then
I said.
SNAP
Lydia bellowed.
I looked
at the cards.
I wasn't looking
I said.
Well you should have been
she said.
We started again.
Will we row
like that?
she asked.
When?
I said.
If we get married
she said.
We're only 9 and 10
I said
bit early to ask
that question.
She kept putting
her cards down quick.
But if we did?
she said.
Guess not
I said.
When in fact
it never entered
my boyhood head.
Jul 23, 2017
Jul 23, 2017 at 1:57 AM UTC
He would say
when he got in
from work:
how's the dog
and kids?
Did you get
my cigarettes
and did Joe ring
about the horses?
Then he'd sit down
in his armchair,
sweat seeping
into the chair back,
and say:
get us a beer.
You'd get him
a beer and flick
off the top.
He'd down it
with that horrible
slurping sound,
and he'd turn on
the TV box
and sit staring at it.
The dog bit
the postman
and the kids
have played up
something bad
you'd say.
He'd laugh
at the TV,
some programme
he liked
and say nothing
about the dog
or kids.
Just slurp the beer
and burp and laugh.
You at the stove
getting the dinner;
and you could have
stood there naked
and he wouldn't
have turned a hair.
You wish
it had been
Max you went with
instead of him.
But Max
was too quiet
and was careful
with his dough
and said ***
was only
for after marriage
and he only wanted
the two kids
a boy and girl.
But no
you went
and married
this ****
and married
merry hell.
Jul 22, 2017
Jul 22, 2017 at 12:04 PM UTC
She was a red head
wearing a red dress
smoking a cigarette
sipping her coffee.
You were
sitting beside her
black suit
blue shirt
black tie
holding a cigarette
between fingers.
I think he suspects
she said.
Suspects what?
You said.
That I'm seeing
someone else.
You took a drag
on the smoke
does he suspect who?
You said.
Not yet
but he will fish
and get to find out.
She inhaled smoke
and looked at the guy
behind the counter
serving another man
along the bar.
Let him fish
I don't give a ****
you said.
Maybe we should
go off together
she said.
Go where?
You said.
Anywhere
as long as it's
away from him
she said
turning
to look at you.
I ain't going
no where
you said
if you want
to leave the ****
come to my place
he won't find you there
and if he does
he'll have me
to see him off.
She looked away
and inhaled smoke again.
He has a temper
and a gun
she said
exhaling smoke
as she spoke.
Up to you Honey
take it or leave it
I don't run no place
you said.
The jukebox
started up
some Elvis guy singing.
She sat silent
moodily gazing
at her mug of coffee.
I'll see how he goes
she said
can't leave just yet
see you tomorrow
afternoon?
Sure
you said
you bet.
Jul 13, 2017
Jul 13, 2017 at 3:01 PM UTC
Lydia's old man
opened the door
after I knocked.
Come for the Princess
have you?
he said.
Yes please
I said.
He looked at me
where you going?
Morning matinee
at the ABC.
He nodded
how much is it?
6d
I said.
LYDIA
Benny Boy
is here
he called out
over his shoulder
Lydia came
to the door
she looked
half asleep.
Here
her old man said
and gave her
some coins
into her
small palm
behave or I’ll tan
your backside
he went back inside.
Morning matinee
I said.
O of course
she said
I forgot
what time
does it start?
Soon
I said.
Won't be long
come in a minute.
So I entered
into the passageway
as she disappeared
into the kitchen/bathroom.
Her mother came out
of the kitchen
eyed me
she won't be long
just having
a quick wash
and brush her hair
come in
the sitting room
she said.
I followed her
into the sitting room.
Lydia's brother Hem
was sitting eating
his breakfast
he looked at me
then looked away.
We don’t talk
since I punched
him down
after he threw
a firework
at my sister
the year before.
I sat on a chair
and looked
around the room
for a few minutes
in silence.
Then Lydia came
ready
she said.
So we went out
and off
through the Square
sorry I wasn't ready
she said
I forgot.
No worries
I said.
We walked
down the slope
and away
the start
of a new day.
Jul 2, 2017
Jul 2, 2017 at 3:34 AM 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.
Jul 1, 2017
Jul 1, 2017 at 3:51 PM UTC
Fredericks
was a tall kid
who lived opposite
the school.
He had black
straight hair
parted like ******
but without
the moustache.
We weren't friends
just acquaintances
who shared gossip
or new items
or swapped
cigarette cards
of footballers
or movie stars.
One day
he stopped me
outside school.
Hey Coles
you know girls
don't have thingys.
Thingys?
I said.
Yes you know
thingys to *** from.
Kids were passing
going into school
some hung outside
waiting for the bell.
Why not?
Don't know
he said.
How'd you know?
I asked.
He looked back
at his house.
My big brother
has this pin-up
on the door
inside his wardrobe
some **** dame
he said.
How comes
they don't have one?
How do I know
he said.
Maybe it
got a disease
had to have it
taken off
I said.
He didn't
look convinced
don't think so
Coles
he said.
What they
got then?
He shrugged
his shoulders
nothing
just a big bush
he said.
I nodded
looked back
at the school.
You watch
Gunsmoke
with James Arness
last night?
he said.
Yes it was good
I said
but don't think
he's as fast
as Wyatt Earp.
No guess not
or as flashy
as the Cisco Kid
Fredericks said.
A prefect rang
a hand bell
standing on the top
of the outside stairs.
Best go
I said.
Yeah
I might ask
Finn about
the girl's thingy
Fredericks said.
Yeah do that
I said.
He went up
the stairs
two at a time.
I followed
walking slow
that was
something new
I didn't know.
Jun 20, 2017
Jun 20, 2017 at 6:52 AM UTC
Biggs
was a small kid
had wing nut ears
and bulgy eyes.
We played games
of football cards
against the wall
of the junior school
playground
in morning break.
Usually I won
but I liked him
so let him
win games
so I could see
his smile
which would spread
from ear to ear.
One morning
Cogan came over
and took
Biggs's cards
from the ground
and held them
against his shirt.
You want em Biggs
you come get em
Cogan said.
Biggs's ear went red
and his eyes
bulged more.
Let him have
his cards back
I said.
What's it to you?
shudup
or I'll take yours
as well
he said.
I picked up
my cards
and said
is that your face
or are you breaking in
for a friend?
You talkin to me?
Cogan said.
I stuffed my cards
in the back pocket
of my trousers.
If you heard
what I said
why ask?
I said.
Cogan looked
past me at Biggs.
If you want
your cards
come get em
he said.
Biggs headbutted
Cogan's gut
and the cards flew
in the air.
There was a rumble
of bodies and fists
and legs.
I picked up
Biggs's cards
and held them
again my chest
and stared.
A teacher came
and broke them up
and took them inside
to see the head.
I pocketed
Biggs's cards
and walked ahead.
Jun 18, 2017
Jun 18, 2017 at 10:36 AM UTC
Vole was a small kid
wore narrow
wired framed glasses
cropped
mousey hair
piggy eyes.
He sat next
to me in class
smelt of yesterday's
dinner
and last week's
wash.
But I liked him
he was funny
and generous
with his sweets
and the occasional
cigarette
which we would smoke
on the bomb site
in a bombed out house
on the way home
from school.
In class
he was forever
putting up his hand
to answer a question
or be allowed
to go to the bog
if he couldn't
hold on
any longer.
He got into a fight
in the playground
at mid-morning break
with some kid
from another form.
He was
a big ugly kid
with large fists
and curly hair.
Vole got smacked up
but never went down.
He caught the big kid
with a cheeky left
to the big kid's gut.
But then
the prefects came
and the crowd
broke up
and Vole hid
behind me
as the prefects
searched the playground
and only his
heavy breathing
made a sound.
Jun 16, 2017
Jun 16, 2017 at 3:43 AM UTC
Ingrid's sister
opened the door
of her house.
I asked
if Ingrid was there.
She looked at me
frowning
O it's you Benny
she said
no she's not here
any more
she's living
with an aunt
by the sea.
I looked at her
then looked past
her into the passage
behind
in the hope
Ingrid would appear.
Why is she there?
I said.
Our mum's
in prison for life
so it was thought best
for her to stay
with our aunt
who is older
and can give her
a more stable home
she said.
I see
I said
have you
an address
so I could write
to her?
She disappeared
inside for a short time.
I stood there
on the doorstep
waiting.
She came back
and handed me
a piece of a paper
with an address on it.
How is she?
I asked.
Very upset of course
her sister said
but she'll settle
with our aunt ok.
I nodded
and she closed the door.
I walked back up
the New Kent Road
with the piece of paper
guessing I'd not
see her again.
The sky darkened
and began to rain.
Jun 10, 2017
Jun 10, 2017 at 3:45 AM UTC
I knocked
at Lydia's front door
there were voices
beyond the door.
Then the door opened
Lydia stood there.
Coming out?
I said.
Not sure
if I can
she said
they are rowing.
I looked at her
the unbrushed hair
lank and straight
her pale face
and staring eyes.
Why not?
don't they
always row?
I said.
Can't just ask
while they're rowing
Benny
she said.
Ok I'll be on
the fence round
the corner for awhile
I said.
She shut the door
I walked
round the corner
sat on the green fence.
The sun was out
but lukewarm
the sky was dull.
Rowing parents
was nothing new
but I had to admit
her parents rowed often
usually about her
old man's boozing.
The milk man
came past
on his horse
drawn cart
the brown horse
had a nosebag
looked disinterested
in his surroundings.
Lydia came
around the corner
and sat on the fence
next to me.
Can't go far
Dad said
not more
than a stone's
throw away
she said.
Depends who
is throwing
the stone
I said
and how far
they can throw.
You know
what I mean
Lydia said moodily.
So what do we do?
I said.
Talk about going
to Edinburgh
she said
on that steam train
we saw.
I mused
on the train
ok so when
and what we
will need
I said.
So we got
off the fence
and sat
on the grass
within a stone's throw
of her flat.
We talk
about going
to Edinburgh
on the steam train
but just as we got
to the list of things
it began to rain.
May 17, 2017
May 17, 2017 at 3:41 AM UTC
I had an altercation
with the William brothers
on the stairway of the flats.
I had the tall one
on the chin
but the shorter one
winded me
with a crafty punch
to my gut
and I went down.
The tall one
put in a punch
while I was down
then went off
up the stairs
out of sight.
I stood up
and looked over
the balcony
at my manor
below and off
to the horizon
as far as the eye
could see.
Blue skies
pigeons in flight
kids on and by
the pram sheds
the coal man
delivering coal
over the way.
Girls playing
skip rope
or hand standing
against the wall.
Next time
I'll have
the short kid first
leave the tall one
after to pick at will.
But a punch
to the gut
leaves me feeling
out of salts and ill.
But that's life
some you win
some you lose
life is what comes
not always
what you chose.
May 16, 2017
May 16, 2017 at 7:07 AM UTC
I went with Benny
to Waterloo train station
it was busy
people rushing about
getting on or off trains.
The white and grey steam
rising up to the station roof
or puffing out across
the platform.
Your old lady
wasn't keen on me
taking you here again
Benny said.
I looked at him
I think it's
the money thing
I said
remembering Mum
at the front door
that morning
eyeing him and me.
She went and got
the money.
Only a few pence
on the bus
he said.
That's how she is
I said.
A loud burst of steam
took our focus.
Benny smiled
don't you just love that
that power
and the smell
of these engines?
Yes I do
I said.
A porter walked past
pushing a wagon
of mailbags
his hat pushed back
on his head
sweat on his brow.
I wonder where
my dad went today?
I said
he went to Bristol
the other week.
Does he go to Scotland?
Benny said.
I guess he must
I said.
Edinburgh?
He asked.
Not sure
I replied.
Want to go one day
Benny said.
Me too
I said.
Could go together
he said.
I liked that idea
the long journey
looking out
the window
seeing the smoke
from the engine
going past
the window.
A loudspeaker
gave out information
about some train.
Out beyond
the station
came hard rain.
Apr 30, 2017
Apr 30, 2017 at 12:03 PM UTC
Lydia tried to spin
Benny's six shooter
around her finger
as he had done
but it slipped off
her thin finger
and fell on the grass.
How do you do it
and I can't?
she said.
Practice and practice
he said
picking up the gun
and showed her how
it was done.
Can I try again?
she said.
He handed her the gun
she put on her finger
and tried again
but it fell off onto
the grass once more.
He picked up the gun
and said
here let me put it
on your finger
and so he did
and held it there
now turn your finger
slightly upward
and spin it.
He released her finger
and she raised her finger
spun it around
and it stayed on.
She said
done it done it
and looped the gun
into her hand
now I'm a proper cowgirl.
Sure are
Benny said
do it again.
She spun the gun
on her finger again
and it spun around.
Good see you
can do it
he said.
He took the gun
from her finger
and spun it around
his finger quick
and slipped it
into his holster
at his side.
She was pleased
she'd done it.
They walked off
the grass and back up
the slope into the Square
as it was lunchtime
and her mother said
not to be late.
So he left her
at her door
and went up
to his flat to see
if his mother
had his lunch also.
He liked that he'd
showed her how
to spin the gun
and it had been good
and fun.
Mar 27, 2017
Mar 27, 2017 at 12:02 PM UTC
Fireworks
Benny's old man said
for you to use and enjoy
but be careful.
So Benny
and his sister Naomi
went down
the concrete stairs
of the flats
and into the Square
with the small box
of fireworks.
Benny lit them
they
and others nearby
watched and were thrilled.
After it was over
the other kids clapped.
Then Hem
Lydia's brother
threw a banger
at Naomi
she screamed
and Benny chased Hem
but Hem ran fast.
He ran through
the Square
down
the slope
leading
to Rockingham Street.
Benny was on his tail
filled with anger
that Hem had thrown
the firework at his sister.
Hem panicked
when he saw Benny
was on his tail
ran across the road
without looking
but nothing was coming.
Benny ran after him
cornered him
against the wall
of the big factory
pinned him there
punched him
with fury.
Hem pleaded
just for a bit of fun
but Benny whacked him
until his anger had seeped.
He walked away
leaving the boy
on the ground
holding his stomach.
The evening was
creeping in
the sky darkening.
Benny walked back
up the slope
looking behind
at the big
moaning dope.
Mar 22, 2017
Mar 22, 2017 at 4:35 AM UTC
Drizzle came
Lydia gazed out
her bedroom window.
She had wanted
to go out
now she'd
have to wait.
Her big sister Gloria
slept in the bed
behind her snoring.
The boyfriend
lay beside her
mouth open
sleeping soundly.
Lydia sighed
she had to sleep
in the cot bed
because of him
which was getting
too small for her.
She looked
as raindrops
hit the windowpane.
The radio was playing
in the front room
her mother
singing along
to some big
band music.
She wanted
to go out
and see Benny
and go somewhere
but now she had
to stay in until
the drizzle stopped.
She could see
the green grass
and the abandoned
bomb shelter
outside the window
of the flats.
Sometimes kids
played on it
making out
it was a castle
or a fort
to be fought over.
Drizzle
fecking drizzle
she whispered
not letting her mother
hear her or she'd
wash her mouth out
with soap and water
her 10 year old
naughty daughter.
Mar 20, 2017
Mar 20, 2017 at 4:42 AM UTC
Lydia
watches trains
beside me.
Waterloo
train station
people pass
for the train
some in suits
black pinstripes
and women
in all sorts
of dresses
or long skirts.
What you think
my dad said
this morning?
Lydia
says to me.
No idea
I reply.
Go away
on a short
holiday
she tells me.
Where about?
I ask her.
To Rams gate
the seaside
she replies.
A whistle
blows loudly
a green flag
waves madly
the steam train
puffs out steam
grey and white
going up
to the roof.
All of you?
I ask her.
Gloria's
not going
she's staying
behind us
so she can
look after
the old flat
and she works
she replies.
The train's gone.
Wonder where
that's gone to?
I ask her.
Somewhere nice
I expect
she replies
and are you
having a
holiday?
She asks me.
Don't 'spose so
I reply
go out days
I expect.
Another
train comes in
noisily
and we watch
as it stops
hissing steam
doors open
passengers
open doors
and get out
then walk on
the platform
with tickets
to get out.
Exciting
isn't it?
Benedict
(she calls me
not Benny).
It sure is
I reply
taking in
the steam smell
and the sounds
and the sight
of power
of engines
we sit there
on the seat
without care.
Feb 10, 2017
Feb 10, 2017 at 3:37 AM UTC
Sunday morning
and I walk down
the concrete stairs
to Lydia's flat
on the ground floor
over by the end.
I knock on the door;
her mother answers
and stands there
a cigarette
in the corner
of her mouth
and her hair
in a turban
hiding curlers.
Yes?
She says,
eyeing me.
Is Lydia in?
I say.
Yes she is why?
Her mother says.
Is she allowed out?
I ask.
She went out
yesterday with you
to the cinema
where now?
She asks.
Just out for a walk
to the park maybe,
I say.
Park?
What park?
Jail Park
just over the way,
I say,
indicating
with my thumb.
She looks at me sternly:
she was out
with you yesterday,
I can't have her
going out every day;
last week it was
the train station
looking at steam trains,
now the park,
she moans.
We like steam trains,
I say.
I don't care,
she says.
Lydia creeps
to the door
and appears
by her mother's side.
Hello Benny,
she says.
Her mother
looks down at her:
thought you
were making the bed?
I was going to
but Gloria's
still asleep snoring,
Lydia says.
Her mother
inhales deeply
on the cigarette
and looks past me
at the milkman
delivering milk:
Hey Milkie
three pints today,
she bellows,
making Lydia jump.
Righto Misses,
he replies
with a nod
of his head.
Can she go
to the park?
I ask
her mother again.
The mother blows
out smoke
like a dragon
without a flame:
I suppose so,
she says,
but not late
dinner's at midday
not later understand.
Yes of course,
I say,
and Lydia confirms.
The mother goes
back indoors.
The milkman
puts the pints of milk
on the doorstep.
Lydia and I
walk across the Square
making our way
to the park
for an hour or two
having nothing
much else
on a Sunday
to do.
Jan 10, 2017
Jan 10, 2017 at 5:01 AM UTC
You walk around the small cot bed
pulling the blanket and sheet tidy.
It's too small for you, but your big
sister and her Spiv boyfriend occupy
the double bed she once shared
with you. You look at them there:
him facing the wall, one hand over
hers, and she lying there facing you,
her mouth open as if catching flies,
her eyes shut. The bedroom door
opens and your mother stands there,
a cigarette between her lips, smoke
rising. Lydia, I've been calling you,
that boy Benny's at the door, wants
to talk to you, she says moodily.
You leave the bedroom, closing the
door behind you, and walk past
the kitchen where your mother is,
and walk to the front door which
is ajar. Benny is standing on the
red tiled doorstep. Hi Lydia, are
you allowed out? I'm going to
the flicks and wondered if you
were allowed, he says, looking at
you with his hazel eyes, the
quiff of brown hair. You smile
and say: I’ll ask Mum, see what
she says, you leave him on the
doorstep, and walk back to the
kitchen, where your mother is
sorting the washing. Can I go
out with Benny to the cinema?
You ask, putting on your little
girl lost expression. Your mother
looks at you through a cloud
of cigarette smoke. Again?
you only went last Saturday,
she says, waving away smoke
from her face. That was a week
ago, you say. She sighs and stares
at you. How much is that going
to cost me? She says. 6 pence is all,
you say, not mentioning 6 pence
for an ice cream or ice lolly. All?
What do you mean, all? 6 pence
is 6 pence, your mother says,
eyeing you. I'll do some chores
afterwards, you say. She muses
on the word chores. She closes
her eyes a moment as if this
might be a gesture of endurance.
All right, just this once, don't
make a habit of it, just because
he goes every week doesn't mean
you can too, she says, searching
through her brown purse. She
takes out a 6 pence coin and
hands it to you. I expect a few
jobs done for that, she says.
You grasp the coin in your hand
and say: thanks Mum. She puts
her purse way and carries on
sorting the washing, cigarette
smoke rising again about her head.
You walk to the door and say:
Yes, I've got my money. You
show Benny the 6 pence piece.
Good, he says, didn't she give
you any money for an ice cream?
You shake your head, no didn't
want to push my luck, you say.
He nods and smiles. You go
out the step, pull the door shut
behind you. Benny waits for you.
The morning sky is moving and
a washed out kind of colour blue.
Dec 3, 2016
Dec 3, 2016 at 2:30 AM UTC