LYDIA DIDN'T MIND.

A GIRL AND HER FATHER IN LONDON IN 1950S

How long does it take
by train to Edinburgh?
Lydia said
her father held in

a smile-he was sober
so playful-
about 6 hours or so
he replied

why are you
going to Scotland?
and with whom?
Lydia said

not yet
I'm just 9 years old
but maybe when I'm older
she hesitated

looking at her father
at his sober blue eyes
and said
Benny probably

go with Benny
her father still held
back the smile
o Benny

the kid from upstairs
in the flats?
she nodded
the kid who you go

to the train stations with?
she nodded
she had her thin hands
behind her back

her fingers crossed
we went
to Kings Cross
station today

she said quietly
Kings Cross?
that's quite a journey
her father said

you two going to elope?
she frowned
elope?
what does that mean?

she asked
means you're going
to run off
and secretly marry

her mother said tiredly
from the sink
where she was
washing clothes

her father smiled
I can't marry anyone
I'm just 9 years old
she said

but when you're ready Lydia
you can get maybe
a free ride
as I am a railway worker

her father said
grinning
leaning back
in his chair

she liked it
when her dad
was sober
he was more fun

and kind
her father
laughed loudly
but she didn't mind.