OUT IN THE RAIN.

A BOY AND ONE LEGGED ANNE GO OUT IN THE RAIN IN 1950S SEASIDE TOWN.

Anne didn't like
the sight of the rain
she saw from the upper bedroom
she stood supported

on her crutches
gazing out
through the net curtains
look at that bloody rain

she said
I suppose we'll be stuck
in here all day Kid
you stared out

standing next to her
we could do jigsaw puzzles
or read books
you said

I don't want
to do any more
f*****g jigsaw puzzles
I've had enough of them

she said
stomping her crutches
on the wooden floor
I want to go out  

she said
but it's raining
you said
and they won't let us out

while it's like this
who cares about them
she said
I'm going out

but they'll see you
you said
not if we're careful
she said

we?
you said
yes we Kid
me and you

are going out
you stared at her
beside you
her dark hair

brushed neatly
her dark eyes
gazing at you
how?

you said
the sisters are everywhere
they'll see us
she closed her eyes

and stomped to the door
of the room
and pushed it shut
with one of her crutches

we're going Kid
and that's it
you looked at her
standing there

her back to the door
her one leg firm
on the floor
ok

you said
which way out?
we'll go out
by the side door

and along through
the side trees
but you can't get
the wheelchair down there

it's too narrow
you said
we'll walk then
she said firmly

ok
you said
and she smiled
good Kid

now go see
if the coast is clear
and I'll come down the stairs
as quiet as I can

she said
she moved out the way
and you went outside
and along the passage

looking to see
where the nuns were
and if any
were near the stairs

none was there
you walked back
to the bedroom
and told Anne

who nodded
and followed you
along the passage
and down the stairs

her crutches click clicking
on the way down
at the bottom she stopped
and looked both ways

you listened for voices
or footsteps
come on Kid
she said

and crutched her way
along the side passage
which led to the side door
you followed

at the door she paused
and looked out
at the rain
you looked by her

and saw the rain
hitting the glass panel
open up Kid
she said

and you opened the door
and she pushed you out
and followed close behind
her crutches going

at quite a pace
as you walked
through the rain
along through the trees

you sensed your clothes
getting wet as you moved
the raindrops falling
through the branches above

she was just behind
cursing and swearing
her dress clinging to her
as she moved along

then you moved
under the shelter
of the small summer house
at the back of the garden

near the back wall
here you both stood
out of the wet
watching the rain falling

and near by here and there
birds were calling
and there as you turned
to look at her

the dress showing
the outline of her leg
and stump
the dampness showing

her 11 year old frame
and from the nursing home
someone was calling
out her name.

Reviews

[Mockingbird]

excellent narrative. expresses what anne goes through, the frustration she feels about being locked away. she has the determination to go outside and does it.it's good she has a patient friend who helps her sneak out even if it's raining. great imagery with the nuns. i know exactly what it's like to be in a school with nuns. great job.

[Terry Collett]

Thank you, Mockingbird