WHAT GEFEN SAID.

BOYS AND A GIRL IN SCHOOL IN 1950S LONDON AND ABUSE.

Gefen said

that girl you like

that one

who stinks somewhat

and looks as if

she slept in a barn

is in the girl's bog-house

crying

I looked at him

and flicked

my cigarette card

against the wall

of the playground

it wasn't near enough

to win I didn't think

why's she crying?

I asked

how the feck

would I know

he said

just saw her go in

and heard the sobbing

I watched

as another kid

flicked his card

near touch the wall

and fall

ok you win

I said

and walked up the steps

from the playground

and walked

to the bogs

and listened

with ear to the door

that you Enid?

I asked

no it's Coleman

what do you want?

I said nothing

and wandered off away

and there was Enid

by a window

what's up?

I said

she looked at me

through smeary glasses

not here

she said

not what here

I said

I can't say here

ok where then?

I said

so she beckoned me

to follow her

along a dank passageway

(there were many)

until we came

to where the cleaners

kept their brooms

and buckets

and such stuff

and she sneak inside

and pulled me in

beside her

well?

I said

sniffing the air

of disinfect

and soap

and yesterday's clothes

can't sit properly

she said

and she lifted

her dull grey dress

to reveal a red weal

along her thigh

and beyond

it hurts when I sit

and I can't say why

and it hurts to sit

she lowered her dress

and looked at me

red eyed

and dripping nose

your old man?

I asked

she nodded

and looked around

the small room

her eyes vacant

say you've got a boil

on your backside

and ask for a cushion

I did last term

when I had boils

on mine

she looked unsure

really?

yes really

I said

I'll ask

old ma Murphy

if you like

she's got loads

of cushions

Enid looked at me

her eyes dull

as dishwater

ok

she said

she kissed my cheek

and followed me out

and along

to Murphy's room

uncertain

and unhappy

as if facing

death and doom.