WHERE AND WHEN?

A BOY AND GIRL IN SCHOOL IN 1962

I saw you
keep staring
Yochana
says to me
while in class
this morning

we're watching
other kids
by the fence
at recess

why do you
stare at me?

I like you
I tell her

she looks out
at the field

why would you?
She asks me

I just do
no reason

you kissed me
on the cheek
suddenly

I remember
it was good

she looks round
stares at me

not for me
it wasn't
she then adds
at the time

and what now?
I ask her

I’m confused
what I feel
inside me

like when you
hear Chopin?

She blushes
looks away
watching kids
on the field
at their play

can I kiss?
I ask her

not right here
she mutters

where abouts?

I don't know
where abouts
but not here

you're pretty
I tell her

she pretends
she's not heard

after school
if you like
just before
your school bus
is filled up
she suggests

all right then
I reply

we stand there
by the fence
in silence.

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

...frozen in the awkwardness of the moment, each wanting the other to take the initiative. How wonderful you've captured it!

[Terry Collett]

Thank you, Kelly.