Juliet After Friday Choir Practice 1961.

She said nothing 

to her sister 

about his kiss 

in the porch way 

of the church 

before choir practice 

that evening. 

He and she 

had stolen a few minutes 

to hug and kiss 

then followed others 

into the choir. 

She had felt a glow inside 

as she began 

the singing practice, 

some hymn 

for the Sunday service, 

looking over at him opposite 

singing with the men and boys. 

He smiled shyly at her 

and she returned the smile 

as secret as she could. 

Her sister was getting ready 

for bed before her. 

What happened to you 

before choir practice? 

Her sister asked. 

Juliet frowned. 

Nothing, why? 

She said, 

You were later 

coming into the church, 

her sister said, 

eyeing her. 

Was I? 

Juliet said. 

Yes, 

the sister said, 

even Molly asked 

where you were. 

I was talking to Benny, 

Juliet said. 

Is that all

 you were doing? 

The sister said. 

Of course, 

Juliet replied. 

Her sister 

having put on 

her nightdress, 

got into bed. 

Don’t know 

what you see in him. 

Who? 

That Benny boy, 

the sister said. 

I like him, 

he’s funny, 

Juliet said. 

Her sister 

picked up a book 

and began to read. 

Don’t let Mum 

know about him, 

you know what 

she’s like about boys, 

the sister said. 

Nothing to know, 

Juliet said, 

allowing Benny 

to kiss her again 

inside her head.