"enid" poems
Hollyhocks, sandals with socks
Knickerbocker glories
Salty air, old caravans
Magical bedtime stories
Fish 'n' chips, sticks of rock
Climbing fragrant evergreens
Endless hikes, stunning views
Sandwiches with sardines
Long car rides, minor quarrels
Enid Blyton audio tapes
Forever etched in my memory
Our annual escapes
Jul 8, 2014
Jul 8, 2014 at 8:48 AM UTC
Enid removes her glasses
wipes them
on the hem
of her skirt
tries to clean off
the smeariness
she breathes on them
they cloud up
she wipes them again
I watch her
near the wall
of the playground
after lunch
waiting for her
are they better now?
she asks me
I look through them
the view is magnified
a million times
one big blur to me
yes that's better
I say
giving them
back to her
and watching
as she puts them
back on
pushes the wire arms
over her ears
then pulls the hair
over her ears again
is it all right now?
she asks me
sure I can see your eyes
clear as day
she nods
and looks
at the playground
and the other kids at play
why do some boys
call me four eyes?
or ugly bucket?
she asks
some kids are just finks
ignore them
I tell her
I can't help it
if I have to wear glasses
or am ugly
she says
intelligent people
wear glasses
and hey you're not ugly
I think you are
quite a pretty girl
as they go
she looks at me doubtfully
and then at the kids
and look Mrs M
wears glasses
and she's a teacher
and bright
Enid sighs and sits
on the steps
leading down
into the playground
even my dad thinks
I'm ugly
she says softly
you're old man
wouldn't know prettiness
if it came up
and introduced itself
I say
she smiles
do you think
I'm ugly?
I frown and peer at her
look I'm no expert
being a 9 year old kid
like you
but you can be
my Maid Marion
to my Robin Hood any day
could I?
she says
sure you could
she smiles wider
and says
thank you Benny
and walks down
into the playground
and goes play skip rope
with a couple of girls
by a wall
and I walk
down into
the playground
feeling six feet tall.
Mar 13, 2015
Mar 13, 2015 at 3:53 AM UTC
We might not be rich with property
Mom said with education we were rich kids already
We might not have the money to spend for holidays..
In our small home… we were the richest with love, respect and honesty…
With all the simplicity in life we lived contentedly…
We might not have a colored TV…
Never dreamt of a library of Enid Blyton or Dickens
We had MOM who amused us with her amazing bedtime stories…
Kids talked of SUPERMAN and SPIDERMAN in the movies
Lucky we were …we had a living superhero and he was our DADDY…
That was our life back then….
A meal of Hardship a cup of misery…
Mom came home tired but always looked happy…
Dad stood at the door…shouted our names and hugged each of us lovingly…
No success in life would come so easily…
For each teardrop and the past life difficulty,
Each hurdle, each obstacle in life
Each challenge we faced was the greatest pain in past life history…
Together we faced them… with the help of god Almighty…
We became who we are today…eventually
What lesson did we learn from this unforgettable life tragedy?
Bittersweet life…We came to learn to appreciate things in our life so humbly…..
Thank you god, Thank you mom Thank you dad… for this incredible story…
May 12, 2013
May 12, 2013 at 10:46 AM UTC
and the page turns,
memories sepia, brown
and frosted with time
come to light.
faint, murmuring words,
swim at the back of my mind.
summer days....spent in splendour.
balmy nights and mosquito nets.
rockpools little crab kingdoms, the smell of coconut oil and arms macadamia nut brown..
and again the page turns
the boys in rugby kit
me standing off to one side
head in a book...
one girl among too many older brothers
always a tagalong in handmedowns and enid blyton's famous five..
and again the page turns...
christmss hats and presents
cold chicken,salads and little baby prawns....sherry trifle
and poppajack snoring, beer still in hand...
and the page turns and turns
little windows into former lives......sometimes nostalgia
and sometimes.... just a peeping tom..
May 25, 2014
May 25, 2014 at 8:53 AM UTC
Oil on canvas c.1926
I suppose the catalogue tells all
about this painting on the wall.
It had pride of place
in some private collection.
Now, shielded by an electronic guard,
deemed precious, it’s unusual and large;
an early work, when (she said) ‘I was
full of painting those around me’.
Here they are, my Warwicks:
Joe, Enid, baby Paul
and just in the corner
Auntie Liz.
They are substantial folk
these Warwicks, and have
eaten here a substantial tea.
The firelight’s purple shadows
make a mask of Joe’s wind-scoured face,
and next to the milk jug, look,
his great wedge of fingers lie at rest.
Enid, softly centred in woollen cream,
a wide-eyed Paul on her wifely knee,
seems to gaze beyond her motherhood,
to Northrigg Hill and a setting sun.
There is a general daze of repose;
the meal is over and we are replete with tea.
Lizzie contemplates the washing up.
The artist sits across the table,
rests her sketchbook
on the starched, white cloth,
and with a few firm strokes
collects this family’s shapes and forms
as I do now across the electronic guard
to secure a memory sketch as
no photography's allowed.
Dec 13, 2013
Dec 13, 2013 at 5:23 AM UTC
Enid's old man
gives me the stare
as we pass
on the stair
I know he's
whacked her
for sure
after the cinema date
and coming back late
but he says nothing
his the silent glare
as if he could scare
I walk on up
and he goes down
that cocky way
he has of
walking away
that Bogart stare
to my Elvis smile
at least for a while
I look down at him
from the balcony
as he crosses
the Square
and off out
of sight to
work or play
as any other day
I wait to be sure
he won't return
then go to Enid's door
and knock and wait
no one comes
all is quiet
no answer
to my knock
so I knock again
and her mother comes
and pokes her head
around the door
and says
what do you want?
how's Enid?
I ask
best go
or her father'll know
and give us
both another blow
I stand my ground
and give her a stare
where is she?
is she ok?
her mother sports
a blackened eye
he might return
she says
he's gone
I watched him go
I say
she sighs
and calls
ENID
and walks past me
to the balcony
and looks over
Enid comes to the door
red eyed
and a swollen lip
can you come out
and play?
I ask
her mother
walks back
to the door
and says
not today
now go away
I lean towards Enid
and kiss her cheek
and touch her hand
see you around Kid
I say
then her mother
closes the door
and reluctantly
I go away.
Jun 11, 2015
Jun 11, 2015 at 2:36 PM UTC
Been there enough times
to remember it.
That couple ran it.
Her with the bust
and him
with the moustache.
Had some good times there,
you came with us once
didn’t you?
Some years ago now.
Nice place,
Ramsgate.
We took the girls
when they were young.
Freda, Elsie, Sally
and young Enid here.
They thought I
was a poor soul
surrounded by females.
Nag, nag,
and nag it was.
Back in those days,
it was a different couple
had it first.
That Mr and Mrs Gentry.
Him with the one eye
and her with the figure
of a hippo.
Good old days.
Before the last war that was.
Mar 16, 2013
Mar 16, 2013 at 5:29 AM UTC
Many a times, when I am alone
I just find myself thinking of the fun
Collecting pouring water, drenching in the rain
Sailing my paper boats in the small drain
Catching frogs from puddles of water,
in matchboxes
And throwing them on young and old with giggles and smiles
Smearing the silver, golden color on my friends
Of the butterflies that we picked in the sunny garden
Feasting on dollops of homemade icecreams and chuskies (ice lollies)
Listening to stories of kings n demons by granny
How could I forget that fight with parents
To stay awake all night during summer or winter break
To watch uncountable movies on the rented video player
Or to read Agatha Christie, Enid Blyton in just one sitting
There was a different story all the time
for each of my tantrums and fantasies alike
And a unique reason for enjoying every season
Oh! How I wish I could have a time machine
To take me back to my childhood innocence
I really miss being a little kid O my Lord!
With no stress, worries or care in the world...!!!
© Neeloo 'NeelPari'
Sep 26, 2018
Sep 26, 2018 at 9:54 AM UTC
Enid waits for me
at the school gates
after school-
she'd not spoken to me
during playtime recess-
she looks at me
through her
thick lens spectacles
and I see her lips
are till slightly swollen
sorry about last night
my mum was too
frightened to let me out
to play as my dad
was in one of his moods
she says
how comes you
didn't speak to me
at recess?
I ask
because he'll ask me
when he gets home
if I've been speaking
to you at school today
she says
how will he know
if you speak to me or not?
because he knows
I can't lie to him
he peers at me
and the truth
blurts out of me
I'm too simple to lie
he says
Enid says
what about now
won't he say today
and not mention school?
she bites her lower lip
never thought of that
we walk on together
anyway he won't know
just tell him
a created truth
I say
she looks puzzled
how do I do that?
she asks
just focus
on a bit of truth
and make it
the whole truth
just tell him
no I haven't
spoken to Benny
at school today
I'm not sure I can
she says
it's either that
or another
thumping from him
I say
we go through
to London Road
as I want to show her
the man
in the pie and eel shop
chopping off
the heads of eels
and chopping them
up into small pieces
when we get there
and watch the man
she says
how awful
how can he?
that's his job
I expect he's
used to it now
we walk on
and she says
I'll try and do
as you say
about telling the truth
but he looks
at me so
I feel frightened
and he knows
if I'm telling lies
we go down
the subway
and she is silent
and I feel sorry for her
and the life she has
I'll call for you
after school
and we can go out
I say
no no
she says
don't come around
or Dad'll go mad
I was only joking
I say
of course I wouldn't
least not
while he's there
she looks at me
uncertain
I'll just wait
and if you can
come out
then knock
on my door
and then
we can go out
she nods
and we walk on
and up out
of the subway
and along the New Kent Road
passing the cinema
then home
which isn't far.
Jun 12, 2015
Jun 12, 2015 at 1:57 AM UTC
I leave you in the middle of town
I hope you have a map
to get back to the bus station
Over a cider in the posh end of town
which probably cost us both more
than we could afford
after our afternoon's talk of Tolstoy
& a shared love of Enid Blyton
& musicians we both loved
we talked of what the current government
was doing to the British poor
& you told me of your own
straightened circumstances
as a child, relying on food parcels
from the Church to stay alive
& I told you how in the Soviet Union
& during the Perestroika
there was never any food in the shops
for anyone & how my mother
queued for hours to get a single pint of milk
not knowing if she'd get it
& how our life changed
when we came here
for the better
we come from different worlds,
each has had their problems
this & Poetry is what connects us.
Jul 11, 2015
Jul 11, 2015 at 11:22 AM UTC
I wait until
Enid's old man
has left the flats
feeling a bit brave
I walk up stairs
to their flat
and knock at the door
her mother answers
and she has a black eye
and says
what you want?
I need to see Enid
what for?
it's Saturday
I want to go with her
to the flicks
flicks?
she says frowning
yes cinema
see the morning matinee
she looks past me
as if she's seen
an angel behind me
is her father around still?
she asks me
no I saw him go
just now
make sure he's not
doubling back
he does sometimes
just to be a cuss
she says
so I look over
the balcony
look into the Square
well?
she murmurs
no he's gone
he looked in a hurry
when I saw him
I say
Enid!
her mother says
in a harsh call
she turns
and gazes at me
her eyes dull
the black eye closing
what's he do
for a side show
I say
what?
she says
your old man
what's he do
for a side show
apart from hitting
you and Enid?
ENID
she bellows
I look back at her
as cool as
a young boy can
brushing my
brown quiff of hair
and glazing over
my hazel eyes
Enid creeps out
and stares out
from beneath
her mother's arm
what is it?
Enid asks
looking at me
then up at her mother
the boy wants
to take you
to the cinema
her mother says
I can pay
I say
Enid says
can I go?
her mother sighs
don't tell your father
you've been
you know
what he's like
she says
do I have to lie
if he asks me
where I've been today?
her mother bites
her lip
slightly swollen
sure you do
I say
lie your head off
tell the schmuck anything
but the truth
I tell her
the truth
he isn't worthy of it
her mother
opens her mouth
to speak but it
remains as
a mouthed O
her mother looks
past me again
you sure he isn't
coming back?
she asks
I look over
the balcony again
no he's not
coming back
I say
ok ok
she says
and she says Enid
can go
so I wait
a few minutes outside
while Enid gets ready
and her mother
stares at me
then the sky
as she brushes her lip
and rubs her eye
closing up
like a dark plum
then Enid comes out
dressed in a blue dress
and her hair brushed
and we walk off
down the stairs
of the flats
she's silent
but excited
and I look down
the stairs ahead
hoping her old man
isn't coming back
as he does sometimes
to catch them out
and commit more crimes.
Apr 25, 2015
Apr 25, 2015 at 1:45 AM UTC
oh' where did those days go
those enid blyton days
when my greatest wish
was to be jo, from the famous five....
those long and glorious
summerdays....
of sunshine and youth.
when bikes and fresh air
whipping past your face,
was way more....
important,
than winning the ratrace.
when the local creek
was the multiplex,
with so many different worlds on show ....
at each
new bend of the
winding, water slow.
when life was a beach
and living was carefree..
those days of watermelon
slices and orange icee's
backyard cricket....
belt it over the fence
for a six and out!!!
bbq'd sausages,
smothered in onions
and tomato sauce....
slapped on a slice,
of good white bread,
sufficed as dinner.
with a salad of course,
(if quick the salad could
be served surreptisiouly to
the local wildlife with a slip
and tilt of the paper plate)
if lucky, strawberries and
icecream to follow.
oh' those were the days,
simpler than most...
when the biggest
difficulty
was in ,cadging
one more hour,
before sleeping at night.
one more chapter,
(perhaps, even two)
of adventuring
with the famous five,
before sleeping....
under the security
of youth...
Sep 26, 2014
Sep 26, 2014 at 7:44 PM UTC
I passed Enid's father
on the stairs
of the flats
gave him an icy glare
he was ******
so didn't care
he went down
and I went up
he was whistling
some song
I knew he was a prat
but what was wrong?
later that day
I met Enid
in the greengrocer shop
in Meadow Row
getting potatoes
and greens
for my mother
not to forget carrots
which I almost did
she came in the shop
in her faded red dress
her hair in a mess
red marks on her arm
one eye closing
as if half dozing
what did you want
young girlie?
the greengrocer
asked her
she gave him a list
and he sorted it out
I carried my bag
to the door
I saw your old man earlier
I said
gave him an icy glare
she looked at me
then at the carrots
orange and raw
then at the door
didn’t say anything
did you?
she asked
no I kept shtum
would have done
if I didn't think
he'd take it out
on you
I said
is this 3 pounds
of spuds?
the greengrocer asked
can't make out
the figure writ
she gazed
at the piece of paper
and said
yes 3 I think
and off he went
shoulders stooping
head bent
what happened
this time?
I asked
what did he do?
he said I slept in
too late or spoke
out of turn
Enid replied
belted me
thumped me
then I cried
the greengrocer
filled the small bag
she held
in her small hands
and took her coins
and gave her change
deep inside
a child wept
near to me
but out of range.
Jun 10, 2014
Jun 10, 2014 at 9:13 AM UTC
Enid turned her wheels
A red flash through
Luscious green
Across the wall of corns
In what felt like
No time at all
The gabble reconvened
Inside the hessian on bread street
Taiyo and Darcy
Evoked the Spanish coast
Fresh faces following
More mature fingers
Frankie and Debs
Move us from Spanish shores
To Antarctica, with penguins
Brian and David
Then comes 'The Man'
Four men , four beautiful men
To play us out and
We don't stand a chance with them now
Jul 6, 2014
Jul 6, 2014 at 3:38 PM UTC
Once she's dressed
Enid stands
in her room
her father
in the room
just next door
laughs softly
her mother
giggles soft
not weeping
or slap sounds
or father
bellowing
just laughter
and giggling
Enid opens
up her door
and they're there
at the large
wood table
sitting close
are you out?
Father says
eyeing her
if I may
Enid says
with Benny?
Father says
Enid nods
if I can
her mother
stares at her
(no black eyes
or bruised lips
no redness
on her cheek)
Enid feels
anxious now
will he slap
or whack her
as he had
a while back?
must be good
no mischief
Father says
and he smiles
his huge hands
that once hit
or slapped her
just wave her
on her way
not late though
Mother says
so unreal
Enid thinks
this kindness
this calmness
not be late
or naughty
Enid says
she goes out
anxiously
once before
he would grab
and hit her
bruise an eye
spank her hard
as she leaves
the front door
there's laughter
and giggling
and new sounds
of kissing
she goes out
in the Square
to see if
she's lucky
Benny's there.
Dec 16, 2015
Dec 16, 2015 at 4:06 AM UTC
We were on a bomb site
off Harper Road
Enid and I and two
other kids
when a rozzer came along
and called us off
Enid was wide eyed
and scared her
old man would find out
and whack her one
what are you
doing on here?
the rozzer said
bomb sites are
dangerous places
now what's your name?
he asked one
of the other kids
Donald Mallard
the kid said
and you?
he asked
the other kid
Mickey Harvest
the kid replied
and you?
he asked me
hands in my jeans pockets
Benny Good
I said
and you?
he asked Enid
she's Enid Blyth
I said before Enid
could open
her shivering lips
he wrote them down
in a black book
you all live
around here?
he said
we nodded
well don't get on
here again or I'll
be visiting your parents
get it?
he said
now get off and away
I was looking
for stones
for my catapult
I said
I don't care
if you were looking
for flowers
for your old gran
now get
he said
we began to walk
off the bomb site
the other kids
walked down
Harper Road
Enid and I walked down
Rockingham Street
why did you say
my name was Enid Blyth?
Enid said
never tell a rozzer
your real name
I said
but those other boys did
she said
no they were giving
him false names
Donald Mallard
I said
is a run on Donald Duck
because a Mallard is a duck
and Mickey Mouse
as there's a harvest mouse
see?
I said
she opened her mouth
to say something else
but didn't
and we walked
on through the Square
to see if her old man
was home or not
he wasn't
so we went in her flat
and her mum made us
lemonade and we sat
in her lounge
out of the sun
and in the shade.
Jul 1, 2016
Jul 1, 2016 at 2:37 AM UTC
We come out of the cinema
like let loose young dogs of war
up and along the New Kent Road
the daylight blazing into our eyes
the roar of traffic in our ears
and on and up by Neptune's fish shop
-not to buy no more coins-
and wait by the crossing
both Enid and me waiting
looking at the opposite side
of the road at the bomb site
the opening of Meadow Row
good film wasn't it
Enid says
looking at me
through wire framed spectacles
her eyes bright not dull
as they usually are
no fear there yet
of her old man
traffic stops and we cross
the road and then run
onto and across the bomb site
I'm riding my imaginary
black horse shining like crude oil
and she just behind riding
her pretend white horse
-not side saddle like some lady
but like me on the saddle-
the whole world stops for us
we are riding a new Wild West
our guns firing at advancing
bad guys or maybe Injuns
with tomahawks
then she stops in her tracks
and stands there sans horse
eyes full of fear
what do I tell my dad?
she says
he doesn't know about the cinema
what do I say?
I look at her
my imaginary horse dissolved
and I walk over to her
see her visibly shaking
and I've been with you too
what can I tell him?
she says
I look at her standing there
her hands holding each other
her eyes fear glazed
say you've been with
some else to the park
what have you
she looks at me
I can't lie he knows if I lie
she says
create a truth
I say
what do you mean?
she asks
tell him you've seen
horses up West
up West?
yes West End of London
but he won't believe me
about that what horses he'll say
be creative tell him some
of what you've seen
she frowns
about the horses?
yes be inventive with it
she thinks
and we walk down Meadow Row
she looking at the ground
mind in thought
I look at her walking there
knowing she'll not get it right
no talent for the invented word
her old man will whack her sure
and as we walk up
through the Square
I see him on the balcony
standing by his door.
May 24, 2015
May 24, 2015 at 2:04 AM UTC
I was standing
on the concrete stairs
of our flats
waiting for an Injuns attack
when Enid's old man
came up the stairs quite lively
he saw me and smiled
and said
hello Benny Boy
how are we?
Once upon a time
he would have glared at me
but here he was smiling
and being friendly
(it was as Enid said
unnerving him being so nice)
I'm ok
I said
waiting for an attack
he stopped
and gazed at me
attack? What attack?
Injuns of the Blackfoot tribe
I said
o right
he said
and nodded his head
and was about to climb up
when I said
can Enid come out to play?
He looked at me
for a few moments
then said
I guess so as long
as she doesn't get
into mischief
we never get
into mischief
I said
she's too good for that
(unlike me I mused)
he nodded and went off
up the stairs
I walked to the balcony
and looked over
into the Square
and took out one
of my 6 shooter guns
and held it ready
the milkman was leading
his horse drawn wagon
along by the lower flats
his black hat at an angle
his white coat
buttoned up tight
Mrs Pignut was walking
towards the flats
she was carrying a shopping bag
a cigarette hanging droopingly
from her lips
smoke following her
like a ghost
but no Injuns in sight
any Injuns?
Enid said
coming up behind me
and standing beside me
no not yet
I said
who told you
I was waiting for Injuns?
My dad said
he passed you on the stairs
and that you asked about me
how is he?
I said
she looked at me
he's all right
he seems different
he hasn't hit me or Mum
for a week or two
and it's unnerving
all the time waiting
to see if he will change
and go back to how
he was
she said
tell me if goes back
I said
(although I'd know
by a bruise or welt mark
like I had before)
she nodded her head
we both stared
into the Square for Injuns
but none was there.
Apr 26, 2016
Apr 26, 2016 at 2:10 AM UTC
Borea, about Bob in the middle of the people,
from the Satanic content throughout,
the Yellow Age's bed is not enough,
1 lonely **** puts the radio on;
OMFG, | The terrible MOOG votes
for the actor to have been joining the Travelling
Newsletter as a Peace Center, | and **** girls,
Couples see if the brightness of the lightness
is the video and the only AUMLET;
best blistering truly with ******** shadows
on Dot's **** | one time at the Laguna,
Six mimes,
and a gray Wolf; she's wearing her War thong
and the Fed's idea of Judaism
has a lot of meanings, six of Satan's beauties
are ours if their groan is like GRRR,
caressing her opponents in danger
of being
a foreigner who has disappeared;
if you have followed 1 of us and
if it is as always
she stays in the middle of the mountain
signs that she had been attorney of the Enid
photographs, of course,
all except the App;
that is starting, | the great Chamberlain,
the general well with other bracelets,
the wings
of the weaving oh, if we remove
the carcass to say
to those who abused the face of the medium;
The Easiest's *** shows the why of the skin
of her wild girl
Oct 5, 2018
Oct 5, 2018 at 12:13 PM UTC
I was sitting
on the concrete stairs
of the flats where I lived
in Banks House
when Enid's old man
walked up
I was *********
cigarette cards
of racing drivers
he paused at the lower step
and said
where's Enid?
she was in her flat
a while ago
I said
I asked her
if she wanted to go out
but she said
she had to wait
to ask you
so I thought I'd wait
until you came home
he looked at me
his eyes tired
where are you going?
he said
East Street market
I said
I want to buy a fish tank
for fish I won
at the funfair
the other night
he looked at me
why'd you need her
to go with you?
he said moodily
give her a bus ride
and see the market traders
plying their trade
I said
I'll see how
she's behaved first
he said
if she's misbehaved
I'll slap her backside
and no mistake
and she'll not go
I studied him
wondering if he
was back to his old ways
the Mr Nice Guy
mask slipping
ok
I said
I'll wait here
he walked past me
saying no other words
his footsteps heavy
on the concrete stairs
I wondered if she'd
be out and about
or if her old man
would find some excuse
to slap her one
and be as it was before
him being a pain
in the ****
maybe less
maybe more
Enid never showed
so I went off
to the market
to buy a fish tank
from a stall on my own
hearing in my inner ear
Enid's sad moan.
Jul 25, 2016
Jul 25, 2016 at 1:50 AM UTC
The comedian starts off with
"Ladies and gentlemen,
It's wonderful to be here in downtown Telford..."
Enid in the audience says, " Ew, I don't like his
shirt. What colour would you call that...puce?"
Edna says, " Looks more like puke to me."
Giggle giggle giggle
The comedian carries on unaware
"Yes, downtown Telford.
The Hollywood stars all holiday here y'know.
Oh yes, the place is awash with champagne and *******
He smiles ruefully. "Asif. I'm lucky to get brown ale...
and all that gets up my nose is the wife!"
Enid says, "I don't get that."
The comic continues,
"My wife is very demanding y'know....
She says to me recently that she wants more ***
The ****** woman's never satisfied....."
Edna says, "That reminds me....
how did you go on with him from packing?"
"Well...." says Enid.........
and the comic continues
"More *** at her age.......!
So, I thinks to meself, I'll play along, so
I says....What's the matter with you!
Ain't once a year enough for you?
Quick as a flash she says, "No it ain't.
I'm sick of waiting for Santa!"
Enid says ".....I just saw this purple thing.
I had no idea what it was 'till I touched it!"
Much laughter ensues
And comedy continues.
By Phil Roberts
Mar 15, 2016
Mar 15, 2016 at 11:31 AM UTC
Enid told me
about the chair.
Just an ordinary
chair; wooden chair
with open spaces
at the back. Made
marks on her back
where he'd made her
sit so long and where
she leaned back. So
what did your old man
keep you in the chair
for so long for? I asked
as we stood by the metal
green painted fence
surrounding the grass
outside Banks House.
Cross examination,
she said, looking away
from me, her eyes behind
her thick lens glasses
gazing at the fresh fish
shop across the road.
What was he cross
examining you about?
Someone took money
from the money teapot:
15/- it was, so he said.
And he thought you
took it? She nodded
her head. Wasn't me,
I never took it. Who
did? No idea; my big
brother maybe, he
needs it, not me. I
looked at her standing
beside me by the fence,
our feet on the space
of pavement. Did he
hurt you? She bit her
lower lip. He kept me
in the chair. He said
he was keeping me in
the chair until I owned up.
And did you? I didn't take
the money. I thought he'd
give up once he realized
I never took the money
and let me go, but he
didn't, he walked around
me, hands behind his back,
asking me questions. And
where was your mother in
all this? She sat on the sofa
chewing on her handkerchief
saying: tell him the truth
Enid, tell him the truth.
Enid sat by the fence,
hands each side of her.
So what happened? I asked,
looking for signs of bruises
and such. He walked round
me and said: I'm not letting
you go until you tell the truth.
I said I didn't take the money.
He clouted me about the head
after ten minutes. You'll not
get off this time, he said.
My head spun. My mum
left the room. He told her
go get some tea on. I looked
at him, but only as he passed
in front of me, not all the
way round so sometimes he
was out of sight and I didn't
know what he was going to
do next. He hurt you after that?
I asked. He dragged me off
the chair and sat down himself
and gripped my wrist tight.
He made me stand there for
ages, him griping my wrist,
talking, talking. My legs ached.
Wanted to sit on the chair. She
was silent; looked at the fresh
fish shop. Then he dragged me
over, and hit me until I said
I had the money. And did you?
I asked. I knew she had.
The face told me. The eyes
behind her thick lens glasses
told me. She nodded, looked
away. A horse drawn coal
wagon went by along
Rockingham Street, the coal
man sitting on the sack cloth
seat dour faced. How about
some chips from Neptune's?
I said, looking at her, at her
grey faded flower dress and
the dull green cardigan, her
hair pinned back by two metal
hair grips at the side. I didn't
have it, didn't have the money,
she said, just said it because
of him hurting me. I know,
I said, don't talk of it again.
She nodded and we walked
up Meadow Row, in the slow
beginning coming down rain.
May 16, 2015
May 16, 2015 at 2:26 AM UTC
Enid sips
her share of
the Tizer
as I share
the fruit buns
between us
it's Easter
off from school
sitting down
on the grass
by Bank's House
with her palm
she slowly
wipes the top
off of the
big Tizer
drink bottle
and hands it
back to me
do you get
Easter eggs?
she asks me
one or two
I reply
I take a
big mouthful
of Tizer
she nibbles
her fruit bun
do you get
Easter eggs?
I ask her
it depends
if I'm good
my dad says
she replies
and are you?
am I what?
are you good?
try to be
but then he
my daddy
says I've not
Enid says
I hand her
the Tizer
having wiped
the bottle
your old man's
a pig head
Enid snorts
and Tizer
rises up
her small nose
I smile then
and hand her
my hanky
a clean one
fresh laundered
not funny
she tells me
me choking
she wipes the
Tizer from
her small nose
as I pat
her thin back
and pick off
bits of bun
exploded
on my arm
want more drink?
not just now
she replies
with choke tears
in her eyes.
Mar 31, 2015
Mar 31, 2015 at 8:42 AM UTC