Ingrid's Departure 1958 Poem by Terry Collett

Ingrid's sister
opened the door
of her house.

I asked
if Ingrid was there.

She looked at me
frowning
O it's you Benny
she said
no she's not here
any more
she's living
with an aunt
by the sea.

I looked at her
then looked past
her into the passage
behind
in the hope
Ingrid would appear.

Why is she there?
I said.

Our mum's
in prison for life
so it was thought best
for her to stay
with our aunt
who is older
and can give her
a more stable home
she said.

I see
I said
have you
an address
so I could write
to her?

She disappeared
inside for a short time.

I stood there
on the doorstep
waiting.

She came back
and handed me
a piece of a paper
with an address on it.

How is she?
I asked.

Very upset of course
her sister said
but she'll settle
with our aunt ok.

I nodded
and she closed the door.

I walked back up
the New Kent Road
with the piece of paper
guessing I'd not
see her again.

The sky darkened
and began to rain.