Benny's Letter 1962 Poem by Terry Collett

Yochana wasn't
at school today.

I saw her friend Angela
sitting alone in class.

At morning recess
I asked her where
Yochana was.

She said she'd left
that her mother
had sent her to
an all girls school.

She walked off
miserably.

I couldn't believe
I'd not see her any more
not hear her play
her piano again.

Later when I got home
a letter was on
the side for me
it was from Yochana.

She wrote saying
that they had moved
and she was going
to an all girls school
and that her mother
had forbidden her
saying anything until
they had moved.

She said she
would miss me
and her friend Angela.

There was a few kisses
at the bottom and signed.

I was shocked
like I'd been socked
by some big kid.

On the radio
(on some classical
music station)
they played Chopin.

I imagined Yochana
was playing
as she did
that time I stayed.

I want to dream
of her tonight
and give her
a farewell kiss.

Don't suppose I will
but I'll miss her still.