NOT SO SHY 1962

A BOY AND GIRL AT SCHOOL IN 1962

Elaine hesitates
by the school fence
after getting off the bus

her sister is off
with her friends
but where is John?

she didn't see him
get off the bus
did he get off before her?  

the boy Goldfinch
gets off and stands
by the door talking

to the driver
he laughs and then
stands aside as John

descends the steps
and looks towards her
his eyes focusing on her

as she stands
by the fence
trying not to look at him

wanting to appear
indifference but she can't
she has to look

and his gaze holds hers
and he says something
to the Goldfinch boy

and walks pass him
towards her
the Goldfinch boy

shrugs his shoulders
and goes on
to the boys' playground

her stomach does a somersault
as he comes near her
how are you?

he says
words fail her
she mutters

then says
all right I think
he stands beside her

his hand close to hers
how are you?
she says  

missed you last night
he says
when I got home

she nods looks at him
his quiff of hair
his eyes hazel and bright

the Elvis smile
not quite there
did you?

she says
yes couldn't think
of anything else

he says
just you
a bell rings

from the school
they hesitate
stare at each other

missed you too
she says
best go

he says
touching her hand
in passing by

and she watches
him going
feeling alive

not so shy.