PICNIC TRIP

A BOY AND GIRL IN LONDON IN 1950S

Helen brought
Battered Betty
along with her
as we met

by Burton's the Tailors
she coming up
out of the subway
in that greeny grey dress

with the faded flowers
where we going?
she asked
hugging Betty

close to her
I noticed the doll
had one eye closed
what happened

to Betty's eye?
it got poked out
by little brother
and it only goes in

this way now
so she can't see out
Helen said sadly
I nodded my head

OK I thought
we could go
to Bedlam Park
as it's a nice day

and I’ve brought
some buns
and 1d drinks
so we can have

a sort of picnic
I showed her
the carrier bag
in my left hand

she looked in
and smiled
that'll be good
she said

so we walked
along St George’s Road together
I had my toy 6 shooter
in the holster

around my waist
(just in case
we had a run in
with any bad cowboys)

I would have brought something
Helen said
had I known
could have brought

some potato crisps
or sandwiches
but I like buns
and those 1d drinks

we crossed
by our school
and on into the Park
on by the War Museum

and found a place
on the grass
and sat down
she laying Betty

by her side
we shared the buns
and had a drink each
the morning sun

coming through
the trees above
white clouds passing
sharing our food

and drinks
and our 9 year old love.