#1965
sun.
smile.
playful, imperfect—
where’s the hill
everyone says is perfect?
the sea has corners,
villages in heaven,
houses on the edge.
2025 or 1965?
no thought without meaning.
no tea without sugar.
no coffee without caffeine.
so what is it, then?
Oct 15, 2025
Oct 15, 2025 at 4:45 PM UTC
There was no one there
at the building site
when he arrived
with his lunch and tools.
He stood around
for an hour or so
but no one came.
It was cold
and the wind
was keen.
He sipped
from his flask
and ate a sandwich
or two
unsure
what to do.
No point in staying
he mused
and packed up
his things
and left.
It snowed
on his way
to the station
and felt colder
than before.
He got home
and drank
a hot drink
and finished
his sandwiches
and sat
and listened to jazz.
When the work manager
rang that evening
and asked how it went.
He said
"Nobody showed."
"Go back tomorrow"
the manager said.
"Don't think so"
he replied.
The manager
repeated his request.
He put down
the phone
and turned up
the gramaphone.
May 2, 2018
May 2, 2018 at 7:34 AM UTC
She stopped and sat
in silence. It had been
a long day. The office
had been busy. Rushed
off her feet. Typing and
answering the phone.
The other girls tap-tapping
away on the typewriters
answering phones like her.
The office manager walking
amongst them now and then
to make sure all were working
and none shirking. He would
stop by a girl, talk and chat
her up and have her in giggles.
But that time he cornered her
in the passage and made
suggestions. She blushed
and shook her head. He never
talked to her after that except
to moan or criticise. She took
off her shoes and went to lay
on her bed. The late afternoon
sun came through the window.
He had blanked her all day.
Not a word or look. Best
that way. Not like some of
those others giggling and
going all coy. One or two of
them have been to his bed,
she guessed. She didn't care.
She lay silent and sun blessed.
Mar 25, 2018
Mar 25, 2018 at 4:05 AM UTC
I went to Tilly's house
after work
got the bus there
walked the country lane.
Her mother
opened the door.
O its you
she said.
I nodded
in affirmation.
You best come in
she said grudgingly
how was Richmond?
I hesitated for a moment
had she guessed
or was she fishing.
It was fine
I said.
She closed the door
after me
Tilly was in Richmond
the same time as you
she said
standing at the doorway
to the living room.
Was she?
God what
a coincidence
if I’d know
we could have met
I said.
Yes couldn't you
she said
and walked off.
I sat on a sofa
no one else
was there
her sister
and brothers
were out.
After a few moments
Tilly came
didn't know
you were coming
she said.
Thought I’d
surprise you
I said.
You have
she said
she sat down
Mum knows you
were at Richmond
the same time
as I was
although she
doesn't know
we met
I think
she suspects.
I thought she might
by her manner
how are you?
I said.
All right
work is a bore
but it pays my bills
and allows me
to get the clothes
I want and not
what my mother
buys any more.
She kissed me
briefly
and you how are you?
she said.
Better now
after that kiss
I said
wishing her old lady
wasn’t there
so we go
and try out
Tilly's bed.
Jun 1, 2017
Jun 1, 2017 at 3:21 AM UTC
I had just got in
from work.
My mother
was at the stove cooking.
Odd that you and Benny
were at Richmond
at the same time
and you never met
my mother said.
I didn't know
he was going
to be there
I said
I was looking after
Uncle's house
while he was away.
She looked at me
her eyes scanning me
I knew she didn't
believe me
but she had no proof
we had met
just her intuition.
The radio was on
in the background
some classical stuff.
The clock on
the mantelshelf
was ticking.
I hope you never
met with him
she said.
Of course not
I lied
putting on my
innocent gaze.
It would be
a betrayal of your
Uncle's trust
to have taken
him there.
Taken who where?
I said
wanting to go upstairs
and wash and change.
That boy Benny
back at Uncle's house
she said.
I wouldn't
dream of it
I lied
pushing thoughts
of Benny and me
having *** in the bed
for the second time
in an hour.
Best get changed
for dinner
she said
looking at me
the way she had
when she didn't
believe me.
I went upstairs
leaving her to stew
I wouldn’t confess
there was nothing
she could do.
May 7, 2017
May 7, 2017 at 2:46 AM UTC
I met Yehudit in town
in her lunch hour
off from work.
Mum's found out
you were in Richmond
the same time as me
she said.
Does she know
we met there?
I said.
No but I think
she suspects
Yehudit said
the way she
interrogated me
this morning.
But you denied it?
I said.
Yes of course
she said.
We went into a cafe
and had a drink
and sandwich
it was busy
the noise of chatter
around us.
Your mother told
my mum in passing
that you had been
to Richmond
and my mother
put two and two
together.
I sipped my tea.
Yehudit had lovely
brown eyes
innocent as a cow's
in the nicest sense.
My mother
said nothing
about it
I said.
What would she say
if she found out
we met there?
Yehudit said.
Not a lot
I suppose
I said.
My mother
would be down on me
like a pile of bricks
Yehudit said
she was spiteful enough
this morning
insinuating you
had a girl there.
She sipped
her coffee
and ate
her sandwich.
I sensed her thigh
near mine
the warmth of it
under the table.
I wanted to kiss her
and hug her
if I'd been able.
Apr 20, 2017
Apr 20, 2017 at 3:45 AM UTC
We were window fixers
my father and I
fitted windows
into spaces
in large buildings.
At this time
we fixed windows
into a small prison
for young offenders
outside London.
My father had a plan
where the windows
had to go.
I helped him lift
and get the frames
in place
and I held them
while he drilled holes
and ******* them
in place.
Other workers
were there
labourers
chippies
and sparkies
and radios played
all day long
from some area
or other.
I had heard
Marion sing
with a big band
the night before
a blonde dame
with a voice
like silver.
I sang in my head
the songs she sang.
My father stopped
for a cigarette.
I swept up the dust
from the drilled holes
looking out the bars
at the world beyond.
Some young kids
would be locked up here
some day
not thinking
of who fixed
the windows
shut up tight
and always closed.
Apr 19, 2017
Apr 19, 2017 at 2:24 PM UTC
That boy Benedict
went to Richmond
your mother says
his mother said
the other day
in the post office
when we met there.
You stare out the window
birds are on the garden
looking for worms
after your father
had dug there.
Did he?
You say
pushing out the words
as if they were spoken
by some other.
You daren't turn around
and look at your mother
or her beady eyes
will search you out.
Yes he often
goes there apparently
his mother said.
I expect he has
some girl there
knowing him
your mother says
her voice spiteful.
The birds are busy
pecking at the upturned soil.
Don't suppose you
saw him when you
were at your uncle's place?
Your mother says.
No never went
into the town much
walked the park mostly
you say
your mind rushing about
seeking answers
to questions
she might ask.
Your mother comes
to the window
and peers out
and stands beside you.
I hope you are not
deceiving me Yehudit
she says.
You stare harder
at the birds
sparrows and blue ****
and blackbirds.
No of course not
you say
never knew
he'd be there
you lie.
Your mother stands there
and turns to gaze at you.
If I find out
you have lied to me
she says
her breath
on your cheek
there will be trouble.
Never lie to you
you say
your voice weak.
Your mind remembering
as a child your mother
standing you on a spot
and telling you
always to tell the truth
or my hand
she would say
showing you her hand
will slap.
She walks off
off to her tasks
don't forget
to make your bed
before you go off
to work
she says.
I have made it
you reply
the child in you
wanting to cry.
Feb 26, 2017
Feb 26, 2017 at 1:52 PM UTC
Tilly went to Richmond
the same time
you went for the day,
Benny's mother said.
Did she?
Benny said,
trying not to react,
trying to pretend
it was news
to him, too.
Yes her mother said
in passing,
his mother said.
Fancy that,
her being there
and me not knowing,
he said.
Yes, but I suppose
it is a big place though,
his mother said.
Yes it is sort of ,
Benny said.
His mother carried on
with preparing dinner
and said no more.
But she knows I bet,
Benny mused,
walking out
of the sitting room
and up to his bedroom
to change out
of his work clothes.
Just as well
Tilly's mother didn't know
or there'd be hell to pay,
he mused,
having changed
and standing by the window.
Tilly had stayed
at her uncle's place
while he was away
and Benny had
visited the day
and they looked
around Richmond
then made love in the bed
in the spare room
before he returned
on the bus home.
Birds were in the orchard.
The sun was orange.
The sky a blue
becoming red.
He smiled
as he replayed
the scene with Tilly
in his head.
Jan 23, 2017
Jan 23, 2017 at 3:50 AM UTC
You go to the old pond with Benny
and sit on the grass
in the summer's sun.
Not been here for ages
you say
looking at him sitting there.
Remember when
we first came here?
he says
it was one Saturday
and we were both a bit shy.
You remember
yes I do
you say
I wasn't sure
about you then
but was pretty much
fixed on you after
seeing you
on the school bus.
He smiles
of course.
You smile
thoughts enter you head
of later dates
by the pond
and while he's talking
you remember
that time
you and he had ***
in the bushes
behind you now
(you don't look around
but it is behind
where you sit now)
and the biggest fear was
that someone
would come along
and see you.
We made love
back there
you say
breaking into his words.
He pauses
and looks at you
then back
behind you both.
Yes we did
he says
and stares at the bushes.
Not now though
you say quickly
before he has ideas
it was a different time.
He nods and looks
back at you
yes it was
he says
and stares at the pond
and at the swimming ducks
and floating dragonflies
and muses probably
like you
on time that flies.
Dec 21, 2016
Dec 21, 2016 at 4:25 AM UTC
Tilly dressed for work
her sister up already
washed and downstairs
breakfasting before school,
Tilly gazed at her features
in the mirror's view
hair messed up
eyes sleepy still
a washed out feel,
Benny the day before
a day at the beach
seeing the tide come in
and gulls fly
and a bag of fries
on a seat gazing
at the sea just him and me,
her mother downstairs
loudly talking
calling up that
breakfast is ready
and get a move on,
Tilly sighed and trotted
to the bathroom
to urinate and wash and dress
and descend the stairs
with her weary steps,
she sat at the table
half listened to her mother's yak
and torrent of words
and sighs and stares
musing on Benny
and the seaside kiss and hug,
she ate and sipped her tea
thinking of Benny's hold
and kiss of lips
but kept all to herself
and let nothing
of the day out
with Benny slip.
Nov 15, 2016
Nov 15, 2016 at 1:12 PM UTC
Tilly and I
got a bus
to the seaside;
it was her week off
of work
and I was off
for the day.
Did your mother asked
where you were going?
I said.
I said I was going
to the seaside
for the day
with a friend,
Tilly said,
not exactly
a lie that way.
I smiled,
but if she knew
she'd blow her top,
I said.
Best she doesn't
find out then,
Tilly said.
We watched
the passing scenery
from the bus window.
When we got
to the seaside
we got off the bus
and went down
to the beach
and lay down
looking at the sea
and the waves
rushing up the sand.
Shame we can't
get a room here
for the week,
Tilly said,
we could make love
as often as
we liked then.
Your mother would
get suspicious
if you were here
for a week
in a b&b;
with a friend,
I said.
Yes she would,
Tilly said,
she'd be down here
on the next bus
searching for me,
going to the b&b;
I would have to tell her
and see who I was with.
I nodded.
She smiled.
We lay there
for awhile,
then got up
and off to get
a bite to eat
at some cheap cafe,
wondering what
we would do
for the rest of the day.
Oct 12, 2016
Oct 12, 2016 at 3:42 PM UTC
How was
Richmond?
Benny's mother asked.
It was good,
Benny said,
thinking of Tilly
and him
at her uncle's place
in the spare bed.
What did you
do there?
Mother said,
unpacking his washing
from his small bag
and sorting it
for the wash.
Looked around
the shops
and the park
and relaxed
watching
the small TV
in the room
of the B&B;,
he said,
musing on Tilly
lying down
on the sofa
with him at her
uncle's place,
watching
TV programmes,
kissing and touching,
having eaten
fish and chips
bought from
the shop nearby.
Tilly was away
at her uncle's place
last week,
so her
mother said,
Benny's mother said.
Where is that?
Benny said,
looking out
the window
trying not to pay
too much attention
to what was said.
Her mother didn't say,
you know what
she's like never says
too much about things,
his mother said,
moving off
with the washing.
He mused
on Tilly, hoping
Tilly's mother
never said
about Richmond
and the uncle's place,
or his and her mother
would put one
and one together
and come up
with two,
and her mother
would blow her top
and that would be it
all over the village
like a plague
in medieval times.
He mused on Tilly
lying in the bed
legs spread
arms wide
such love
such ***
is best to hide.
Sep 7, 2016
Sep 7, 2016 at 2:59 AM UTC
Tilly got back from her uncle's
place in Richmond, and her mother
said, I hope you left your uncle's
place tidy and not in a mess? Tilly
nodded her head, and said, yes it
is tidy as I found it, and Uncle was
pleased and said thank you for
looking after the place while he
was away. Her mother scrutinized
her. So what did you do while you
were there? Had a good look around
Richmond, sat in the park, watched
Uncle's TV, went to bed.(She then
visualized Benny in bed with her
and they having it away). I went to
Richmond once, her mother said,
unsmiling even at a memory, too
crowded, too many people. I liked
it, Tilly said,(pushing from her mind
she and Benny ********** in front
of each other slowly and suggestively).
Didn't meet anyone you knew there,
I suppose? her mother said, unpacking
Tilly's bag with soiled washing and
the odd girly thing. No of course not,
well apart from Uncle, Tilly replied,
trying not to think of she and Benny
walking hand in hand in the park and
French kissing). Well you are back now,
and have work tomorrow, so best have
a bath, and I will put these things in
the wash, and her mother went off,
and Tilly thought of she and Benny
in the bath together and washing each
other, and afterwards having *** again
and needing to bath once more. Work
tomorrow, she mused, O what a bore.
Aug 4, 2016
Aug 4, 2016 at 3:42 AM UTC
I was on the bus
back from Richmond
where I stayed
a day and night
with Tilly
at her uncle's place.
I sat looking
out the window.
Richmond miles away
and so was Tilly.
She'd shown me
around Richmond
the day before
(after a quick
bash at ***
had dinner out,
saw the sights,
walked in the park
in the evening,
then back to her
uncle's place,
watched TV,
then bed.
I saw her
in my mind
as the bus drove along,
********** in that room,
each piece of clothing
taken off
with a teasing motion,
then folded
on a chair,
then she watched
as I undressed
humming a tune
as I did so.
We got into the bed
and lay there.
She said:
what if my mother
could see us now?
I didn't want to even
imagine that,
but she did,
it seemed as if
it was some kind
of get back
at her mother
to just imagine her mother
seeing us there
making out.
After the second time,
we just lay there
looking at the moon
through the window,
her head on my shoulder,
me kissing her head,
wondering what
her mother would say
if she'd seen us
making love
in the uncle's
guest bed.
Jul 26, 2016
Jul 26, 2016 at 11:48 AM UTC
Tilly's uncle's place
at Richmond
was pretty run down
but it was functional
he had invited her down
to house mind
while he
was away a few days
she met me
off the coach
(she'd gone down
on the coach
the day before)
glad you're here
I don't like
sleeping here
on my own
she said
how long
can you stay?
I can stay
until tomorrow afternoon
then must get back
I said
that's something
she said
Uncle will be back
the day after
shall we have
a look around?
I said
no afterwards
she said
after what?
I said
I want you
and don't want
to miss out
in any opportunity
while you're here
she said
so she took me back
to her uncle's place
and took me
to the bedroom
she had been given
and straight away
she began to undress
come on then Benny
she said
a golden opportunity
while we can
so I undressed too
and soon we were
on the bed
and after a few moments
of foreplay
we were away
and in broad daylight too
no fumbling in some
hay barn or woodland shade
wondering if someone
might see us
here we were alone
and with just
yes yes yes
and the odd
grateful moan.
Jul 21, 2016
Jul 21, 2016 at 2:12 AM UTC
I met Tilly after she
had finished work,
before she caught
her bus home, we
went to a milk bar,
had a coffee and bun.
What did your mum say
about you coming to my
place to listen to LPs?
I said. She doesn't trust
you, Tilly said, and she
doesn't believe your mum
will be there to supervise.
I sipped my black coffee
disappointed. What about
on your half day? She need
not know you're coming
to my place; we can play
my sister's Beatles LPs or
my Elvis, I said. Too risky,
she might wonder why I'm
not home on my half day,
Tilly said. I lit a cigarette
and so did she. Tell her in
advance you've got some
stock-taking to do. Tilly
sighed: I've done more
stock-taking recently;
she'll suspect I'm up to no
good. I looked at her and
smiled; I tried and failed,
but at least I can look at
you now and enjoy your
beauty, I said. She frowned:
I am off on holiday the week
after next, maybe we could
arrange something then,
she said, I have an uncle
in Richmond and he's asked
me to stay and look after his
house for a few days while
he's away. Richmond? I said,
I suppose I could take a day
off and meet you. No, she said,
a night as well. I smiled and
so did she. Sometimes there's
a rainbow you just don't see.
Jul 15, 2016
Jul 15, 2016 at 2:19 AM UTC
I sat with Tilly
in the park
in her lunch hour
from work.
How was your morning?
I said.
Busy as hell,
she said,
never seen
so many customers;
needed this rest.
I passed her
a sandwich
from the paper bag,
and ate one myself.
She looked ****
in her work uniform
especially as the dress
rode above her knees.
What have you
been doing?
She said.
My half day;
so I thought
I'd come see you,
I said,
plus I wanted to buy
an LP of Elvis.
Did you buy it?
She said.
Yes,
and I showed her.
I'm more into the Beatles,
she said.
You'll have to bring
one of their albums
and we can play it
on my record player
in my room,
I said.
I'm sure my mum
will let me, will she?
Tilly said.
Of course if
she doesn't know,
I said.
Benny she
knows everything;
I bet she has
spies on me,
Tilly said.
All innocent,
just playing an LP,
I said.
She smiled;
innocent with you,
be more innocent
if Christine Keeler
was involved,
Tilly said.
My mum wont mind
you listening to Elvis
or the Beatles,
I said.
I'll see;
until she's
in a good mood,
Tilly said.
I'll be old by then,
I said.
She laughed.
I will try
and get to your place;
I'll tell her
your mum said
it is ok,
and she'll be there,
Tilly said.
I sipped some coke,
and she ate
her sandwich.
I gazed at her knees,
at the way
the work uniform
hid her gems.
I can open up
a bottle of wine
over from Christmas,
I said.
Tilly raised her eyebrows;
I'll try and come;
no promises made.
I nodded,
and felt the sun
on my head
and wished
for some shade
Jul 8, 2016
Jul 8, 2016 at 2:46 AM UTC
Tilly walked with me
to the bus stop.
It was evening,
and warm,
and the sky
was darkening.
Your mum I think
suspects we
have been up
to something?
I said.
Tilly looked past me
at the trees behind
how tall and shadowy
they seemed.
She always suspects,
even if I am gone
from the room
she suspects
I have you in my room,
and comes up and knocks,
and says: all alone?
And she peers in my room
as if at any moment
you will come out
from under the bed,
or out of
the tall boy wardrobe.
Trusting sort isn't she?
I said.
Always has been,
Tilly says,
my sister is a one
with boys and she
watches her like a hawk.
I look at the sky
getting darker.
You do love me
don't you, Benny?
Of course I do,
I said,
ever since that first kiss
back in 1961
when you were 13
and I was 14.
She looked at me,
her lovely eyes
searching me,
that was quite
a kiss that,
she said.
Yes breath taking,
I said.
She kissed me
and it was quite
a long kiss.
Then the bus came along,
and we parted,
and I got on the bus
and I waved
and she waved back,
and the bus moved off,
and I felt sad
and my mood black.
Jul 2, 2016
Jul 2, 2016 at 3:53 AM UTC
I didn't know
you would be here,
Tilly's mother said,
when she came in
and saw us sitting
on the sofa together.
She stared at Tilly
more than me.
Benny just popped in
to see me as it's
my half day off work
and we've had a chat,
Tilly said.
Her mother stared at me;
have you offered
Benny a drink?
She said.
No not yet,
Tilly said.
Well get him one then;
I don't suppose
he will want to hang
around all day
waiting for a drink.
Tilly got up,
and went to the kitchen.
I was left alone
with her mother,
who sat down
in her armchair
still looking at me.
Is it your
afternoon off too?
She said.
No I work in two shifts;
I go back to work
about 5pm,
I said.
She looked at the clock
on the mantle-shelf
which showed 3.25pm.
She nodded her head,
and looked around the room
as if looking for signs
we may have been
up to something(trusting soul).
It is not any young man
I would have here with Tilly,
you know,
I know your mother
has brought you up
to honour and respect girls,
so I am trusting in your case,
she said,
looking back
at me again.
I was thinking about Tilly
and me up in her room
about half hour previously
lying next to each other
after having had ***
a couple of times.
That is nice to know,
I said,
that you trust me.
She stared stiffly;
her eyes narrowing.
It is important that girls
appreciate their virginity,
she said.
I listened out for Tilly;
that she'd come back soon,
and wouldn't put
her foot in it
as she nearly did
the other time
I came around,
and her mother
interrogated me.
What are your prospects
where you work?
She asked.
Prospects?
I said.
What are the future developments
at your place of employment?
She said.
Upward and *****
I said.
She stared at me.
I *****
and pull down marquees,
I said smiling.
She did not smile back:
and the future?
What are your prospects?
I have no idea,
I said.
She sat forward,
and looked towards
the kitchen:
where has that girl gone?
Visiting India
to buy it?
She said.
I smiled;
she didn't.
After a few minutes,
Tilly entered
with a tray of cups
and saucers for three,
and set it down
on a small coffee table
in the center of the room,
and stood up smiling.
Done it,
she said.
You took your time,
her mother said,
where you been, India?
Tilly stopped smiling,
and sat next to me.
What have you two
been doing this afternoon?
her mother asked.
Talking about our school days,
Tilly said.
Is that all?
Her mother said.
Well we did talk
about other things too,
she said.
I mean other
than talking,
her mother said.
Benny kissed me once,
Tilly lied.
Her mother eyed me:
is that all?
Well maybe twice,
I said.
Her mother selected
a cup and saucer
and sipped from the cup,
and stared at Tilly
and not me.
Virginity is highly prized
in our family,
her mother said,
not until marriage
is it to be relinquished,
her mother said.
I nodded,
and Tilly
went red.
Jun 26, 2016
Jun 26, 2016 at 2:32 AM UTC
Thursdays were
Tilly's half
day closing
I met her
outside her
workplace shop
and went for
a coffee
and cream bun
opposite
where she worked
busy day?
I asked her
too busy
never stopped
she replied
where do we
go after
having this?
She asked
is your mum
home this time?
I asked her
she's not back
for an hour
or two yet
Tilly said
your place then?
If you like
she replied
so we ate
and drank up
and got a
bus to her
mother's place
Tilly got
out her key
and unlocked
the back door
and went in
I followed
a large clock
went tick tock
follow me
Tilly said
we climbed up
creaky stairs
to her room
sunlight shone
on her bed
a dark pink
candlewick
bed cover
lay on top
she undressed
quite quickly
so did I
into bed
Tilly said
so we did
and were just
starting to
get engaged
when we heard
two voices
down below
in Tilly's
front garden
we lay still
who is it?
I asked her
Tilly got
out of bed
and looked out
the window
my brothers
sawing wood
at the back
she whispered
best get dressed?
I asked her
not just yet
she came back
to the bed
and made love
half an ear
for voices
then lay there
afterwards
exhausted.
Jun 21, 2016
Jun 21, 2016 at 1:48 AM UTC
I lay beside Tilly
in a field behind
her parents' place;
it was summery,
and the sky the bluest blue
I'd seen in ages.
What do you want
to do in the future?
She asked.
Lead a band,
and play my saxophone,
I said.
Lead a band?
She said.
Yes jazz band,
I said.
She turned
and looked at me,
Anything else?
She said.
Make a bit of money,
I guess,
I said.
She raised her highbrows,
anything other
than that?
She asked.
Travel the world,
I suppose,
I said.
And me?
What about me
and you?
She said.
Can you play
an instrument?
I asked.
No, but I mean
our future?
I looked past her;
a steam train went by
on the rail track.
O I see what you mean
us getting married?
Yes,
she said,
and a family.
But we're only 17;
too soon for that,
I said.
She turned away
from me,
and looked towards
the woods near by.
We won't always be 17,
she said,
so we could think
about it as a future thing.
I studied her back,
her waistline,
her cute ****
the legs that
went on downwards.
Sure we can talk
about that,
I said,
remembering
the last time
we had ***
and her kisses
and hugs.
She turned
towards me again,
talk and plan things
in our heads,
she said.
What about the band?
I said.
What band?
The band I might lead.
She looked at me,
have you got a band?
Not yet,
but I may have one,
I said.
Talk about it
when you do,
until then...
she kissed me
and put her hand
around my waist
and drew me closer.
I put my hand
on her hip,
then her ****
I smelt her perfume.
Then she moved away
and said:
Mum might be
watching us
from the upstairs window.
So we lay there
and watched another
train steam by
and go.
Jun 15, 2016
Jun 15, 2016 at 1:25 AM UTC
This is where I work,
I told Tilly.
She followed me
around the place.
It was a Saturday;
the place was almost empty.
I had come to clear up
a few things from the day before.
You make marquees?
She said.
The women do,
I just help,
then go out helping
to put up marquees
all over the place,
I said.
Where abouts
have you been?
All over the place;
did a racing stables
the other week,
some big wedding,
I said.
Not our wedding,
then Benny?
No not ours,
I said.
Shame,
she said.
I her showed
the area
we kept
the canvas and ropes.
Soft here to lie on,
she said,
touching a piles
of canvas sheets.
Guess so,
I said.
Anyone about?
She said.
A few not many,
I said.
Would they look for you
if you were
missing awhile?
Who knows?
I said.
I'd take you home,
but Mum's there today,
and she'd only give
another inquest into
what we may have done
the other week,
Tilly said.
I opened the door
and peered out
the passage way;
all was clear,
no one about,
I said.
She lay down,
and I lay beside her.
We kissed and hugged,
and I touched her thigh,
and she began
to unbutton my jeans.
Benny, Benny,
are you around?
a voice said
from down the passage.
I jumped up,
and she tidied
herself up,
and I got up,
and opened the door.
Yes, you wanted me?
I said along the passage.
The manager stood
in the doorway.
Do you know what
we did with the order book?
I think I saw Joe
put it in the green file,
I said.
Where'd he put it after that?
The manager said.
God knows,
I said,
maybe it's in the workshop.
I'll look there,
he said,
and walked off.
I went back to Tilly
who was now standing
in the room
against the door.
Has he gone?
she said.
Yes he was looking
for the order book.
I best go,
she said.
Ok,
I said,
and showed her
the back way out,
and she kissed me,
and walked off.
See you later,
I said.
She nodded
and I went in.
Almost made it,
but no big sin.
Jun 7, 2016
Jun 7, 2016 at 1:26 AM UTC
Tilly was making a *** of tea
in the kitchen,
her mother sat opposite me
in an armchair.
How is your work?
She said, gazing at me
with her stern eyes.
Fine mostly,
I said.
Her face showed no emotion;
Tilly has a good job,
and if she makes her way,
she could be shop manager,
Tilly's mother said.
That's good,
I said,
looking past her
towards the kitchen door,
hoping Tilly would soon return,
and save me
from this interrogation.
Girls these days
do not seem to value virginity
as they did when I was young,
the mother said,
they wear clothes too short,
and reveal too much.
(I wondered if she knew
about Tilly and me
or was she just fishing).
I guess so,
I said,
looking back at her
sitting there,
knees tight together,
and face like granite.
A girl's virginity is her prize
to take to her wedding night,
and her husband,
not to be frittered away
at the first opportunity,
the mother said.
I looked at her features,
and wondered how
she managed to lose
hers at all.
Does your mother
trust you while you
are out with young girls?
She added,
looking at me sternly.
Of course she does;
she knows I would treat
a girl with respect.
(If the girl wanted it
however I would oblige.)
That is good to know,
the mother said,
raising an eyebrow,
knitting her fingers together
on her knees,
forming a finger church.
Tilly came into the lounge,
and set the tray of teapot,
cups, sugar bowl, milk jug,
and spoons on a small table,
and sat next to me.
Have I missed anything?
Tilly said.
I hope not,
her mother said,
I was talking to Benedict
about virginity,
and how girls
should treasure it,
and not squander it.
Tilly went red,
and looked at the tray.
I hoped that would not
give the game away.
May 31, 2016
May 31, 2016 at 2:17 AM UTC