#1959
And Austen,
the crafts teacher,
said: here, bring up
your attempt at pottery,
show them, boy.
So I took up
my attempted pottery
and held it up.
The kids looked
and one or two
laughed on cue,
but the others sat glum,
waiting for the punchline
which didn't come.
Weren't you watching
when I demonstrated
how it was to be done?
Austen said.
I held down the ***
guess I didn't see it all.
Why not?
he said.
You were you going
too fast,
I replied.
Too fast?
who else thinks
I was going too fast?
No kid
put up their hand
of course.
I suggest boy
you were not watching
or your brain
is too slow;
go sit down
and listen.
I walked back
with my ***
and sat down
placing my ***
carefully on the desk.
The teacher eyed me,
then went on to show
how it was to be done.
The kid next to me
hid his from sight
with his hands;
it was worse
than mine,
but there you go,
I mused,
couldn't give a hoot
about pots or pottery;
it meant nothing
at least to me.
Mar 19, 2018
Mar 19, 2018 at 7:37 AM UTC
The leg fitted you well
although you hated it,
hated putting it on,
but you did moodily
speaking a stream of abuse;
not at me, but the quack
who took it off.
The nun who stopped
in the doorway
of the girls's dormitory said:
you shouldn't be
in here Benedict.
I asked him in,
you said,
wanted him to help me
with the leg.
Makes no difference,
the nun said,
rules are rules.
She eyed me sternly,
so I left.
Wait for me,
you said,
ignoring the nun
who began to lecture you
on your bad language
and rule breaking.
You stood up
and taking your crutch
you walked past the nun.
It is rude to go
when someone
is talking to you,
she said.
You stopped
outside the door:
I'm listening,
you said,
but I've heard it
all before.
She sighed in a prayer
and rubbed the rosary
hanging from the belt
about her habit:
then listen, Anne,
and do as you are told.
You looked past her
then at her:
can I go now?
I looked at her,
then you.
You may,
she said.
So we walked down
the passageway,
and into the dining room,
and sat down at a table
waiting for breakfast;
you in a foul mood
and I just wanting food.
Mar 10, 2018
Mar 10, 2018 at 11:31 AM UTC
What a cacotopia
this place is, she said,
gazing around the lawn
and swings, slide
and kids there, and
the plump nun standing
nearby in her black
and white habit.
I sat beside her
on one of the white
metal chairs around
a white metal table.
I gazed where she gazed:
Cacotopia? I said.
Look it up, Kid, she replied,
don't question my words.
She was in a mood;
I guessed her leg stump
was hurting.
She'd left the artificial leg
off saying it was rubbing;
although she added
a few swear words
in her description.
You know that Darwin guy
said we decended
from monkeys?
Well I think that nun
is the missing link
they are looking for,
she said.
I studied the nun:
she looked more like
a penguin that a monkey.
Don't you like nuns?
I asked.
Some are o.k,
she said, but the ones
here I don't.
Shall I get you
your wheelchair?
I said.
No, Kid, she said,
we'll go walk the beach.
She grabbed her crutches
and we went through
the avenue of trees
and out the back gate.
It was early morning
so we would be back in time
for lunch and not be late.
Feb 25, 2018
Feb 25, 2018 at 9:38 AM UTC
What's your name skinny kid?
Benny. He looked at the girl
in the wheelchair with one leg.
I’ll call you Skinny Kid. She
looked past him at other kids
on the lawn and on the swings.
Why you here? she added looking
back at him. Had an operation
and am here for rest. He looked at
her red skirt and the one leg visible.
What happened to your leg? She
pulled up her red skirt and showed
him the stump. Lost it, can't find it
anywhere; have a good gawk, Kid.
He did. Can I touch it? She stared at
him sure why not. He touched her
stump. It feels warm. Look out the
penguins are about. She pulled down
her skirt. The boy looked back at the lawn
and saw a tall nun dressed in black
walk towards them. He sat on one of
the white metal chairs. The nun stopped
by the table and stared at Benny. You are
the new boy? Yes I’m Benny. She nodded.
She gazed at the girl. I hope you are behaving
and not leading Benny astray. Anne looked
at the nun. I always behave Sister Paul.
The nun didn't look convinced. That has yet
to be seen. The nun turned and walked to
the swings and talked to other kids.
That crow is always on my case, Kid,
avoid her like the piles. Benny nodded
and put on one of his good boy smiles.
Sep 8, 2017
Sep 8, 2017 at 2:24 PM UTC
Fay's father was off
the weekend
on a religious retreat
at some monastery
she told Benny
on the Friday morning
on the way to school.
So will you be able
to go to the cinema
with me tomorrow?
Benny said.
I will have
to ask Mum
but I guess I will
she said.
They were walking down
St George's Road
towards school
traffic went past them.
What do they do
in a monastery?
he asked.
Say prayers and pray
for people and live
in a community of silence
most of the time
she said.
Boring or what
he said.
It's their vocation
she said.
Glad I haven't got
one of those
vocation things
he said.
Daddy wants me
to be a nun
when I grow up
she said.
What the heck
is a nun?
he said.
They are like monks
and pray and work
in missions and such
she said.
Do you want
to be a nun?
he asked.
I haven't
thought about it
just Daddy saying it
she replied.
They came to the school
and Benny said
see you later
got to go see
my friend Denis.
All right
she said
and watched him go.
She didn't know why
but when she spoke to him
she felt funny inside and shy.
Aug 12, 2017
Aug 12, 2017 at 3:35 AM UTC
We were lining up
for school dinner.
Fay was in
front of me.
Can you go
to the cinema
on Saturday morning?
I said.
Don't know
have to see what
Daddy says
she said
he doesn't like me
going to the cinema
he says it is sinful
stuff shown.
I frowned
and looked at her.
It's only films
I said
kid’s stuff.
I’ll ask him
she said.
After we got
out dinners
we sat
at the same table.
What is sinful
about going
to the pictures?
I asked.
Daddy says
that sometimes
the films show
a wrong side of life
and is against
our Catholic faith.
I go nearly
every week
twice some Saturdays
if my old man
takes me
I said.
Doesn't your father worry
about it being sinful?
she said.
Don't think he does
I said
least he's not said
anything about sin
only who is in it
and if it's any good
I said.
We ate our dinner
I looked
at her blue eyes
and blonde hair
drawn into a ponytail.
Ask him
if you can
I said
it is only
films for kids.
I will
she said.
But I felt
she was reluctant
and would probably wait
until her old man
was away on one
of his religious retreats
or off away on business.
After dinner
we went into
the playground
she to play skip rope
with other girls
and I with Denis
to play cards.
Denis lost
and I had most
of his cards
which made him moody
but all is fair
in cards and war.
He walked off
and swore.
Jul 23, 2017
Jul 23, 2017 at 2:32 AM UTC
Anne was leaving
the nursing home
Skinny kid
her one friend
was going
the following day.
So they walked out
the back gate
and onto the beach
for their last stroll.
Anne with her new leg
and walking stick
and the Kid beside her.
Out of all that lot
back there Kid
you are the only one
I'm going to miss
she said.
I'm going
to miss you too
he said.
You mean
miss looking
at my leg stump
she said.
He smiled
no all of you
he said.
I bet the penguins
won't miss me
she said
especially Sister Paul.
They stood
on the beach
and watched
the waves come in.
I like you
for your honesty
the Kid said
you made me
laugh at times.
Be honest Kid
that's the way
don't suffer fools
she said
looking at the gulls
above their heads.
Can I write to you?
he said.
No Kid this is it
this is the end
of our road
keep the memory
not the facade
of pretence afterwards.
Can I kiss
you goodbye?
he asked.
I don't kiss frogs Kid
I might find a prince
she said smiling
and allowed him
to kiss her cheek.
They stood in silence
watching the waves
and gulls.
Best go back
before the penguins
come looking for me
she said.
She walked
with her stick
her new leg
rubbing her stump
the Kid beside her.
As they reached
the back gate
she stopped
and kissed him
on the lips.
Remember me Kid
me 11 you 10
go marry
when you're older
and not a girl
with one leg.
She walked on
and he stood
watching her go
up the lawn
and out of view.
He stood there lost
with nothing more
to say or do.
Jul 3, 2017
Jul 3, 2017 at 3:21 PM UTC
Austen handed out
lumps of brown clay
and dumped it
in front
of each boy
in the classroom
onto a wooden desk.
I broke off
a piece of clay
like he said
flattened it
as a base.
Then rolled out
another piece
into a narrow
oval strip
about a foot long.
We had to twirl it
around the base
to make a ***
then smooth down
the joins.
Austen then walked
among the boys
with his stare
through thin
wire-framed glasses.
He stopped
by my desk
what's that?
he said.
A *** Sir
I replied.
He stared at it
bring it
to the front
he said.
I picked up
the clay ***
on the palm
of my hand
walked
to the front
of class.
Lift it up
so all can see
he said.
I lifted it up.
This is how
NOT
to make a ***
he said
Coles has
obviously
not been listening
or watching
what I have
been saying
or showing.
A few kids
sniggered
out of fear
of not doing so
rather than mirth.
Had you been
watching me
or listening
to me Coles?
he said.
Yes Sir
I said.
It does Not
look like it.
He took the ***
slammed it
on to his desk
shooed me
away from him
plopping
the misshaped clay
in my palm.
Go sit down Coles.
I took
my lump of clay
and sat down.
Other kids
stared ahead
**** scared
of Austen
to look away.
I stared at him
taking in
his stern features
and pockmarked skin
and grinned within.
Jun 18, 2017
Jun 18, 2017 at 9:44 AM UTC
Wendy would show
the colour
of her underwear
for boys to stare
for a few pence
to satisfy
their boyhood
****** sense.
Or cup her hand
over her little girl
armpit
bring down
her arm
to make
a farting sound
all around class.
Or that's the legend
the boys told.
But I knew her
as a friend
who walked home
with me from school.
We would laughed
at what
the teachers taught
and told
brainwashing
our childhood's hold.
She once said
her old man
beat her
bare behind
if he was
in a mood
or drunk
and the alcohol
stunk.
But she'd not cry
not give him
that satisfaction
for that cruel action.
Later I heard
she got cancer
out of the blue
and cried.
Something
her old man
in his drunken rage
couldn't do.
Jun 16, 2017
Jun 16, 2017 at 1:37 PM UTC
Sutcliffe brought
the cigarettes
into the boys' toilets
(he'd been given them
by his cousin
who was staying
a real live wire
Davies said).
We huddled
at one end
Davies
stood look out
for prefects.
O'Brien
had one lit up
and he lit one
for Davies
and I lit my own
and Sutcliffe took
the final one
and we smoked
huddled together
like old men
in some hostel.
Davies stood look out
smoking and puffing
smoke out
then waving it away.
So what made
your cousin
give you **** then?
O'Brien said.
Sutcliffe blew
out smoke
she said
she'd give me ****
if I took photos of her
with her camera
he said.
What posing ****
Davies said smiling.
No no
Sutcliffe said
just poses of her
in her ******
and bra thing.
You ***** old ******
O'Brien said
what would she want
for a packet of 20?
he added.
She's not like that
Sutcliffe said
it's for a fashion place
she wants to work for.
I took turns
with Davies
and kept look out
by the toilet entrance.
The playground
was full of boys
no prefects around
I could see.
Have you
any photos
of her posing?
Davies said.
In the ****
or otherwise
O' Brien said.
Of course not
Sutcliffe said
she has them developed
then drops them off
at this place
she wants to be
a model at.
What's she like
your cousin?
I asked.
Like?
What do you mean
like?
Sutcliffe said
peering at me.
I mean is she
tall thin
or short and fat?
I said.
She's slim
and average
and has blonde hair
he said.
O'Brien
hugged himself
and said
is this
what you do
with her Sutcliffe?
Sutcliffe took
a deep inhalation
and stared at the wall.
Prefect coming
I said.
We dumped
all cigarettes
down a pan
flushed
then departed
one by one
having had
a our smoke
and fun.
Jun 14, 2017
Jun 14, 2017 at 3:33 AM UTC
I put on the leg
sitting on my bed
fitted it
at the top
and stood up on it.
I hated
the **** thing.
I walked
about the room
with the walking stick
helping me balance.
Other girls watched
what's it like?
the girl Susie said.
Like a ******* leg
I said.
You swore
she said
I'm telling Sister Paul.
Go tell her
show her your ****
for all I care
I said.
She stared at me.
Hey Anne
the girl with burns said
makes you look
different.
How different?
I said
it's just a leg
go **** eggs.
I stormed
from the room
and along
the passageway.
I walked past
the young nun
who smiled
and I smiled.
I liked her
despite her
being a nun.
I went out
on the lawn
and walked over
to the table
at the end
and sat in one
of the white
metal chairs.
I threw
my stick aside
and stared
at the leg.
My stump felt sore
I wanted to take
off the leg
and throw it
at the first person
who came by.
The Kid came
and sat bedside me.
I liked him
one of the few
I liked in
the this hell hole.
He talked.
Over behind him
other kids stood
staring at us
sitting there.
**** them
I said to myself
and gave them
a hard stare.
May 18, 2017
May 18, 2017 at 3:30 AM UTC
I watched Anne
walk across the lawn
from the nursing home
on her new leg.
She had
a walking stick
helping her balance.
She sat on
the white metal chair
at the far end
and threw
her stick aside.
I went up there
and sat in a chair
next to her.
How's the new leg?
I said.
Hard work
she said
and it rubs
and I'm ****** off.
She looked it
I missed not
seeing the leg stump
it seemed odd
the artificial leg
being there
with the white sock
and brown shoe.
Now you'll
have to buy
two shoes again
I said.
She nodded
but this leg
won't grow
while this one will
so I'll have to have
the leg renewed
as I grow
she said.
I guess so
I said.
She stared
at her leg
******* thing
looks ugly
she said.
I looked at her
you'll get used
to it
I said.
I don't want
to get used to it
that means
accepting it
and I never will
she said angrily.
Fancy a walk
by the beach
see the sea
I said.
She stared at me
yes why not Kid.
So we did
out the back gate
and along the path
both walking
no wheelchair
any more
just us
the gulls
and the sea
and seashore.
May 18, 2017
May 18, 2017 at 3:01 AM UTC
Anne sit still
so the leg
can be fitted
the nun said.
I sat still
as I could
on the chair
in the medical room
of the home.
The doctor
fitted the leg
to my stump.
I didn't like it
it looked ugly
I wanted
my old leg back
not this contraption.
There now
stand on it
the doctor said
pleased with himself.
I held onto
the chair back
and stood up
on the artificial leg
and moved it.
It feels like
a ton weight
I said.
You'll get used
to that
he said
walk around.
I walked
as best I could
it felt unusual
like I was carrying
a passenger.
What do you think?
the nun said.
I said nothing
and walked around
the room
both of them
watching me.
It was hard work
I had to remember
to lift the leg each time.
You've got the knack
the quack said.
No need for your
crutch any more
the nun said.
A stick maybe at first
the quack said
just to steady maybe.
I sighed
it will do I guess
I said
not as good
as my own ******* leg.
Language Anne
the nun said
pulling a face
of disapproval.
Walk slower at first
the quack said
ignoring my language.
I slowed down.
You will have to
make sure you
do not rub the stump
he said.
The nun stood there
gawking like a magpie.
I want to go outside
and try it
I said.
Be careful
the quack said.
The magpie
stared at me.
I walked out
of the medical room
and along the passage.
I walked past
other kids
who stared at me
and out through
the French window
out on the lawn.
*******
fresh air
I said.
The Kid
was standing
by the first table
how is it?
he said.
Feels odd
but at least
I can walk
without the fecking crutch
I said.
We walked
down the lawn
to our table
and I sat
in a white metal chair
and wished the ****
the leg wasn't there.
May 1, 2017
May 1, 2017 at 3:32 AM UTC
Anne said
her leg stump hurt
and lifted the hem
of her red dress
and showed me.
It was inflamed
best get one
of the nursing nuns
to look at it
I said.
I don't want
those penguins
looking at my stump
she said.
What are you
going to do?
I said.
Don't Kid
wish they'd not
taken my fecking leg off
she said.
She looked back
at the nursing home
from where we were
on the lawn
in the white chairs.
It needs looking at
I said.
Looking at
the fecking thing
ain't going to help
she said
go get that skinny nun
she's best
avoid getting
Sister Paul.
So I ran across the lawn
and into the home
and looked
for the skinny nun
but I couldn't find her.
Sister Bridget
came out of the chapel.
Where's the skinny nun?
I said.
Skinny nun?
Sister Bridget said
that's not polite Benny
do you mean Sister Luke?
I looked past her
at the passageway
yes I think that's
her name
I said.
The nun gazed at me
why do you want her?
I don't but Anne does
I said.
Why does Anne
want her?
I looked at the nun's
broad nose.
Her stump is red
I said.
How do you know?
the nun said.
She showed me
I said.
She showed you
her leg stump?
the nun said frowning.
Yes she said it hurt
and sent me
to get Sister Luke.
I'll come and see
the nun said.
I followed her
out onto the lawn.
Anne wasn't pleased
I could see
by her face.
Just out of reach
she once said
of God's grace.
Apr 12, 2017
Apr 12, 2017 at 3:25 PM UTC
Morecraft said
come along
and join the Scouts.
So I went
along with him
that evening
to the church hall
where the Scouts
were stationed.
I was introduced
to the Scout leader
some tall thin guy
with a wide smile.
What's your name?
he said.
Benny
I said.
Benny what?
he said.
No Benny Coles
I said.
No one laughed
his smile disappeared.
Show him
the ropes ****
he said
to Morecraft.
So we went along
to where the ropes were
and he showed me
what to do.
So I did it
then some big kid
came along
and pushed me
off the rope.
I gave his leg a pull
and dragged him down
and a fight started.
The tall thin leader
came along and said
what is going on here?
He pulled my leg
and I fell off
the big kid said.
He pushed me off
I said.
I won't have
this behaviour
in my pack
you can go
he said to me.
What about him?
I said.
Go
the thin guy said
so I went.
Next day
Morecraft said
he wondered where
I'd gone to
and they said
I'd been sent off
for fighting.
Self defence
I said
but Morecraft
said nothing
and went off
to play football
with some other kids
in the playground
at school.
I went with Dennis
and played cards
and won.
A kid's got
to have something
have some fun.
Apr 12, 2017
Apr 12, 2017 at 3:28 AM UTC
Norris turned around
and looked back
Biggs was beside him.
Hey Coles
I could beat you
in a fight couldn't I?
Benedict nodded
guess so
he said.
O'Brien was beside him
at the back of class.
Norris asked
other boys
who likewise
acquiesced.
You could take him
O'Brien said
in Benedict's ear.
I know that
and you know that
but he doesn't
Benedict said
it's Biggs who's
the problem
he follows Norris
around like
a big bulldog.
Norris turned around
to the front of class.
There was chatter
amongst the boys
as the teacher hadn't
showed yet.
One whack
in Biggs's fat guts
and he'll go down
O'Brien said.
You reckon?
Benedict said
looking at Biggs's
wide back
and large head.
Sure he'd go down
O'Brien said.
If Norris tries it on
I'll thump his nose
Benedict said
and see what
Biggs's does.
The door opened
and Lee
the science teacher
entered the room
the boys stood up
the chatter stopped.
You could
as the saying goes
hear a pin drop.
Mar 29, 2017
Mar 29, 2017 at 3:23 AM UTC
Most of the other children
avoided Anne
but Benny was with her
most of the time.
Here Kid
Anne said.
Benny walked
to where she was sitting
in a wheelchair
on the lawn.
Once he was beside her
she said
we're going
to go see the sea Kid
is the coast clear?
Are the penguins about?
Benny looked back
towards the nursing home
other kids were on the lawn
some on the slide and swings
but no nun was in sight
as far as he could see.
No penguins about
Benny said.
Good right push me
through the avenue of trees
and through the back gate
to freedom
she said.
Benny took a last look
back towards the nursing home
and once he was sure
no nuns were about
he pushed the wheelchair
along through
the avenue of trees
and out the back gate
and along the path
which ran by the beach.
See that sea Kid
smell that air
the ******* salt
gets to me
love it
she said.
Benny pushed her
along the path
and looked
at the beach and sea
and gulls above them.
He felt the wheelchair
go along easily
on the path
and inwardly
he gave a little laugh.
Feb 11, 2017
Feb 11, 2017 at 4:21 AM UTC
Benny liked music;
even as a kid
he liked music.
They had a wind-up
gramophone and six
78rpm records,
one of which was
Green Door
by Frankie Vaughan,
his mother's favourite.
He used to wonder
what was behind
the green door,
and what his old man
thought of this Frankie guy.
Benny went to the cinema
with his old man
to see jazz films
like High Society
or The Glenn Miller Story
or The Five Pennies.
He made a paper
and comb instrument
to make fuzzy
trumpet sounds,
and pretended to be
Louis Armstrong
**** singing.
Benny liked music so much
he thought a black guy
on the old tram
(as a kid in London)
was Louis,
smiling at him,
without his trumpet.
Some things
he can recall
and never forget.
Jan 27, 2017
Jan 27, 2017 at 11:36 AM UTC
Anne entered the room
where the doctor was
with Sister Paul;
I followed behind.
Ah there you are,
said the nun,
the doctor wishes
to see if your leg stump
has healed sufficiently
to try on
your artificial leg.
The doctor looked
at me:
why is the boy here?
He said.
Because if he isn't here
I ain't,
Anne said.
It invades
patient privacy,
the doctor said.
If he goes I go,
Anne said.
The nun pulled a face:
it's how she is doctor,
Benny won't
get in the way.
All right,
the doctor said
unhappily,
lie on the bed please,
he added.
Anne handed me
her crutches
and lay on the bed.
The doctor pulled up
her dress and looked
at her leg stump
and felt it.
The nun looked
on frowning.
I stood by looking
at the doctor.
Does it hurt?
He said.
Most of the time,
Anne said.
Does it hurt
when I touch it?
Course it does
what do you
fecking think,
Anne said moodily.
Language Anne,
the nun said,
sorry about that doctor.
No need
to apologise
I know
what children
are like,
he said.
He fiddled
around more.
How long
are you going
to be touching my stump?
I told you it hurts,
Anne said.
The doctor sighed
and pulled down
her dress:
best give it
another few weeks,
he said.
He went over
and washed his hands
in the sink.
Right Anne you
can get up now,
the nun said.
Anne sat up
and gestured
for me to give her
her crutches
which I did.
Anne said:
can I go now
or do you want
to touch me again?
You can go Anne,
the nun said
eyeing her angrily.
Anne got off the bed
and crutched herself
out of the room.
I followed behind her
down the passageway
a bad start
to another day.
Jan 11, 2017
Jan 11, 2017 at 3:42 AM UTC
You saw Anne crutching herself
across the lawn as you came out
of the French windows. Sister Paul
was calling after her, but Anne had
crutched further away, her back to
the nun who seemed to stiffen with
anger. You came up beside the nun
and she looked down at you with her
dark eyes. You seem to have some
influence with Anne, tell her I need
her to see the doctor in 5 minutes,
she said. You nodded and said: I'll do
my best Sister, but you know what
she's like once her mind is made up
about something. The nun looked
down the lawn where Anne had sat
herself in one of the white metal chairs
and looked towards the avenue of trees.
Tell her it is about her leg, the nun said
to you, and stormed off, her black habit
flapping like a blackbird learning to fly
and failing. You walked down to where
Anne was sitting and sat beside her in
another white chair. Where's the penguin
gone? Anne said. Inside again, you said,
wants you to see the doctor about your leg.
Anne gazed at you and rubbed her leg stump
with her hands. I'm not see any fecking
quack about my leg; all he wants is to
have a gawk and have a feel, she said.
Maybe he's got your new leg, you said.
**** the leg, she said, looking at her leg
stump where she had pulled up her skirt.
I want my old leg back, not a fecking
pretend leg, she said. You stared at her
stump. But your old leg as gone, you said,
at least you could walk without a crutch
and not be pushed everywhere, you said.
She sighed: all right I'll go see the old ****
but you come with me Kid or I see no one,
she said. Ok, you said, and helped her up,
and she crutched herself back up the lawn
towards the nursing home sour faced, with
you following, the blind following the blind.
Dec 4, 2016
Dec 4, 2016 at 11:28 AM UTC
The Kid saw Anne on the lawn
with a nun and a man
standing by the table
at the far end,
as he approached
he heard Anne say
who said about
an artificial leg?
Your parents
suggested it
the man said
and I have come
to measure you
to see the size needed,
you will need
to stand up
so the gentleman
can measure you
the nun said,
hey Kid
Anne called
come over here
and help me up
on my crutches,
Benny walked
next to Anne
and helped her up,
she stood there swaying,
the Kid holding
onto the arm,
all right Benny
you needn't hold her
she is quite capable
of standing
on her crutches
the nun said,
I want the Kid near me
Anne replied,
can I get on now?
The man said impatiently,
get on what?
Anne said
what you think I'm
a bus or a chair
to get on?
I meant
with the task
of measuring you
the man said,
do as the gentleman wants
Anne and stop being
so tiresome,
the Kid looked at Anne,
she looked at the man
as he took out
a measuring tape
and measured her
for an artificial leg,
she sighed
hey don't get
too fingery
she said,
Anne that is enough
the nun said firmly,
the man finished
the measuring
that is that done
he said
eyeing Anne
it will be
a month or so
before we can get you
to try it on he said,
then you
should be able
to walk again
the nun said,
thank you
Mr Forbes
what do you
say Anne?
Yea don't
be too long
getting it done
she said,
Anne that
is not polite,
that is all right
the man said
I know children
I have my own
he looked at Anne
and smiled,
she did not
smile back
but looked at the nun
and said
is that it?
The nun sighed
and said yes
and walked off
with the man
across the lawn,
Benny watched
them go,
Anne sat back
in the chair,
did you see
that Kid
see how
he touched me
fingers on
my leg stump?
Benny nodded,
**** penguin
what's she
know about kids
and him why
I bet he's got kids
who dread him
coming home,
Benny looked at
the departing nun and man
at the far end
of the lawn
in conversation,
hey Kid
get my wheelchair
I want to go
see the sea,
ok Benny said
and set off
towards the house
full steam ahead.
Nov 2, 2016
Nov 2, 2016 at 5:14 AM UTC
The new nun
wheeled Anne
out of the French windows
and onto the lawn.
To the end table,
Anne said,
where the Kid is.
The nun wheeled
the wheelchair slowly
over the lawn,
past other tables
where children sat
playing Snap,
past the swings and slide,
where kids were gathered,
and on down
to the small white table
at the end
where she stopped.
Hello Benny,
the nun said,
how are you?
I'm fine,
Benny said,
looking at Anne
who pulled a face.
OK Sister you
can go now
prayer time soon.
O so it is,
the nun said,
and turning like
some flapping black crow
she walked off.
Talk about slow,
I could have wheeled
myself quicker,
we were almost past
by a snail back there,
Anne said.
Benny smiled.
Right Kid
I want you
to push me
on to the beach,
we're going to have
a fun time out
and away
from the sick
and dying ones,
we're going to see
the sea and gulls
and throw stones
at the tide
and any gull
that ventures too near.
Ought we to ask
Sister Paul first,
get permission?
Benny said.
Permission?
That's for the weak
and kids,
we do what
we want, Kid,
now are you ready?
Yes sure,
he said,
got some biscuits
from the breakfast table
and a couple
of rolls too.
Good Kid
you're learning,
anyone see you?
Anne said.
No no one,
he said.
Good Kid,
now let's go
before the penguins
see us go.
So Benny got behind
the wheelchair
and began to wheel her
along the path
between the trees
towards the back gate.
A voice called to them,
the young new
nun's voice floated away
as they went out
the back gate
and on to the path
by the sand.
Anne said:
push Kid,
before the nun follows.
So the Kid
pushed faster
and and faster
and down onto
the beach
and making two ridges
in the sand he moved
as fast as his
10 year old legs could go.
Then they came
to a stop
where the sand
held the wheels.
Here will do Kid,
sit beside me a while.
What about stones
to throw?
He asked.
Later Kid,
for now
we watch the sea
and breathe in
the fecking air,
get it into your lungs Kid
this is what life's
about Kid,
fecking breathe.
So he breathed
in the air
and the sea smell
and he smiled.
Anne said:
life is what
you make it Kid,
none of those
penguins around.
He sat and breathed in
the soft air;
he could hear gulls
and the sea sound.
Sep 28, 2016
Sep 28, 2016 at 3:49 AM UTC
Anne and the Kid
were sitting in chairs
on the lawn next
to a small round
white table.
Sister Paul
(the head nun)
walked across the lawn
towards them,
her black habit
flapping as she came.
What's the penguin
want now?
Anne said.
The Kid stared
at the nun
who approached them.
I want a word
with you both,
the nun said.
A word each
or one between us?
Anne said.
The nun stared at her,
then stood gazing
at them both.
You Anne are not
to show your
leg stump off to Benny,
and you Benny
are not asked to do so,
do you understand?
She said.
It's my leg stump,
Anne said,
I can show it
to whom I wish,
and if the Kid wants
to see it, then he can.
The nun stared
at Anne:
I am forbidding you
to do so, and as head nun
of this nursing home,
what I say goes,
the nun said firmly.
What if I show the Kid
my leg stump
when no one is around
how are you going
to check on that huh?
Anne said defiantly.
The nun stared at Benny:
now listen carefully, Benny,
it is a sin to look
at girls' leg stumps,
and if you disobey
you could go
to Purgatory
or worse to Hell.
Benny looked
at Anne.
She smiled:
he don't care a ****
about your hell or purgatory;
whenever he wants
to see my **** leg stump
he can, and I’ll show him
when he wants,
Anne said,
sitting up in the chair
grimacing as pain
shot along her leg.
If you disobey
my orders Anne,
you could go
there too,
the nun said.
Anne stared
at the Benny:
listen Kid if
you want to gape
at my stump,
then just you tell me
and you can
gape any time.
The nun slammed
her hand down
on the white metal
table top;
the sound echoed
along the lawn;
birds took flight,
other children
on swings and slide
looked over,
or hid or went off
to hide.
You will do
as I say
my girl or else.
The nun walked away
towards the huge house;
her black habit
flapped like a big
black bird in flight
and out of sight.
Anne said:
bring me a glass
of lemonade Kid
and a straw.
Ok,
he said,
and wandered off
towards the house.
She sat and rubbed
her leg stump
with her hands.
The other kids
went about
their fun and games
on swings and slide.
She watched the Kid
returning slowly,
with glass of lemonade
to be by her side.
Aug 19, 2016
Aug 19, 2016 at 3:07 AM UTC
You were extremely rude
to the doctor today Anne
Sister Paul said
and to go missing
with Benny
and being late for dinner
just added to your troubles
where did you go?
Anne sitting on a chair
in the nun's office
stared at the nun coldly
and said
out on the beach
getting a bit of life
Sister Paul stared back
at the 12 year old girl
sitting there
with a large amount
of insolence
and with arms folded
and her crutches
by her side
you do not go
anywhere
without permission
and not with another child
the nun said stiffly
********* her rosary
under the table
the doctor was most annoyed
by your language
where you get
that kind of language
from is beyond me
the quack
was ********* my leg stump
and looking up my skirt
Anne said
the doctor was examining
your leg to see if
it was healing
the nun replied
well it still ******* hurts
Anne said
his sticky maulers
didn't make it any better
rubbing her leg stump
to make a point
the **** word stuck
in the nun's head
like a wasp in a bottle
and buzzed there
I will NOT
have that rude word
said to me
or anyone else
Sister Paul said
staring at the girl
wishing she(Anne)
was in one
of the Catholic schools
and not at this nursing home
then she could be punished
for such language
and behaviour
can I go now?
Anne said
only I feel wind
coming on
and I wouldn't want
to upset you
more by that
the nun sighed
and stared at the girl
go go and understand
what I have been saying
Anne heaved herself up
with the aid
of her crutches
and crutched herself
out of the nun's office
looking at the nun
as she went
Sister Paul wanted to
but she knew she couldn't
and sat watching
the girl crutch
herself from the office
and allowed the door to shut
with a slam
outside the door
Anne stuck up two fingers
and went away
Sister Paul
on the other side
of the door
closed her eyes
to pray.
Jul 28, 2016
Jul 28, 2016 at 2:45 AM UTC
The doctor examined
Anne's leg stump
in the small room
Sister Paul was there
looking on
and the Kid was there
staring at the stump
he'd seen many times before
are you all right Benny?
the nun said
yes just looking
how the stump is doing
he said
Anne smiled at him
and then glared
at the quack
then the nun
seems to be healing well
the quack said
rubbing it gently
with his fingers
well get your *******
fingers off now
Anne said
now you've seen it
and fingered it
Anne that is enough
bad language
sorry doctor
she has her
bad days
the doctor stared at Anne
not sure he'd heard
the words correctly
and reddened
o no problem
must be painful still
but it is healing nicely
he said
moving away from Anne
and her leg stump
he looked at Benny
your her friend?
yes her best friend
Benny said
my only friend
in this place
Anne said
the nun sighed
and the doctor
followed her out
of the room
leaving Anne
and Benny alone
glad you were there Kid
can't abide quacks
at the best of times
let alone when they're
********* you leg stump
and peering up your dress
Benny stared
at the stump still
sorry it hurts you
he said
pain's pain Kid
it's how you
cope with it
that matters
she pulled the red dress
over the stump
and said
pass me my crutch Kid
and lets get out
of this torture chamber
and go down to the beach
and sunshine and gulls
and sand and away
from this lot
Benny passed her
her crutch
and helped her up
and he followed her
along the passageway
as she crutched
at quite a speed
we'll go to the beach Kid
once I've peed
he waited
by the loo door
as she went in
and he wondered
if the **** word
was a sin.
Jul 5, 2016
Jul 5, 2016 at 2:59 AM UTC