SHE'S RIGHT.

A BOY AND GIRL IN LOVE IN 1962

They were dropped off
at the church
like the others
ready for choir practice

but they held back
and crept into
the front porch
to be alone
for a few moments

the voices
of the others
died down and away

Yehudit gazed out
into the evening sky
feeling Benny near her
you do love me
don't you?
she asked

sure I do
why ask?
he said

you seemed
distant today
at school
and when I looked over
at you in class
you looked away

he gazed at her
outline in the door way
of the porch
you know
how it is
Rowland was saying
how's your love life?
and all that stuff
and I was trying
to make it seem
I didn't have one
and wanted
just be free
of his words
and jest
I guess

she looked back
at him
aren't I worth
getting jest about?
if you loved me
it wouldn't matter
she said

I know
you're right
but us guys
are stupid at times
we don't think
in your league

girls like
to be seen
to be loved
not just words
she said

a bell rang
from the tower

must go
she said

wait
he said
look I’m sorry
I made a mistake
I do love you
and it's more
than words

she walked out
of the porch
and into the evening
semi-dark
looked at the stars
and moon

the next time
I look at you
in class
at least smile
at me
she said

sure I will
he said

she kissed his cheek
and ran off
around the back

and he stood
watching the moon
and stars

and her footsteps
faded into the night
and he thought
she's right.