Sea Escape 1959 Poem by Terry Collett

Most of the other children
avoided Anne
but Benny was with her
most of the time.

Here Kid
Anne said.

Benny walked
to where she was sitting
in a wheelchair
on the lawn.

Once he was beside her
she said
we're going
to go see the sea Kid
is the coast clear?
Are the penguins about?

Benny looked back
towards the nursing home
other kids were on the lawn
some on the slide and swings
but no nun was in sight
as far as he could see.

No penguins about
Benny said.

Good right push me
through the avenue of trees
and through the back gate
to freedom
she said.

Benny took a last look
back towards the nursing home
and once he was sure
no nuns were about
he pushed the wheelchair
along through
the avenue of trees
and out the back gate
and along the path
which ran by the beach.

See that sea Kid
smell that air
the fucking salt
gets to me
love it
she said.

Benny pushed her
along the path
and looked
at the beach and sea
and gulls above them.

He felt the wheelchair
go along easily
on the path
and inwardly
he gave a little laugh.