Benny's Midday Adventure 1964 Poem by Terry Collett

Milka and I
rode our bikes
to the old pond
I used go to
years before.

We rested our bikes
down in the long grass
out of sight.

We lay in the grass
by the pond
and lay on our backs
looking at the midday sky
with white clouds
and warm sun.

This is where
you used to come
with an old girl friend
of yours didn't you?
she said.

Yes few years ago
I said.

I turned on my side
and looked at her
lying there.

What was she like?
Milka said.

Well she wasn't old
we were just 14 then
and she was nice
and we had a thing
for a while
I said.

Why did you
come here?
she said.

So we could be
alone together
I said.

What did you do?
Milka said.

Lay by the pond
and watch the ducks
and swans
and kiss
I said.

Is that all?
Milka said.

Yes
I lied
of course.

I wish my mum'd
gone out today
then we could
have gone to my room
and did things
she said
but no she was
going later with Dad
then my brothers
will be home
from fishing
or it will be too risky
if they're not.

I kissed
her forehead
then her lips.

She embraced me
and I lay beside her.

Birds flew overhead
a blackbird sang
a pheasant called.

We were too
engrossed in
what we were doing
to lay and listen
or watch
the midday sun
on the pond skin
glisten.