RULES AND LIMITS 1961

A boy and his girlfriend's mother in 1961

Jane's mother
settled me
in a seat

in the lounge
Jane had gone
to the church

to arrange
the flowers
for Sunday

how are you?
she asked me
sitting down

beside me
I’m ok
settling down

at the school
at the home
o that's good

she replied
your parents
and siblings

are ok?
she asked me
yes they're fine

I told her
do you go
to the church?

she asked me
not this one
we go to

the small one
some Sundays
I replied

o that's good
glad you go
she said soft

I wished Jane
would return
it was her

I came for
not the talk
with her mum

Jane likes you
very much
Jane’s mother

said to me
but she's just
13 years old

as are you
Benedict
these friendships

must have rules
and limits
yes of course

I replied
not quite sure
what she meant

by the rules
and limits
but I know

you are both
are aware
of these rules

and I trust
both of you
not to step

beyond them
I was lost
with her words

then she smiled
and uttered
want some tea?

o yes please
I replied
she went off

and left me
sitting there
thinking of

the last kiss
that Jane gave
lips on lips

on the Downs
where we walked
with birdsong

and sunshine
our lips touched
skin on skin

hearts thumping
both of us
deep within.