HER FATHER OR SOME OTHER 1957

A GIRL AND HER PARENTS ONE MEALTIME IN LONDON 1957

Enid washed her hands
in the sink

waited to hear
the voices
whether they were loud
or soft
bellowing or not

her mother's voice
was clear and unrushed
from the other room

her father's voice
was almost
in laughter mode

she walked into
the sitting room
her dinner was there
waiting for her

she walked to the table
and sat down
next to her mother
and opposite her father

don't forget grace
her father said

Enid looked at him
did he mean it?

her mother said nothing
but stared at her
then closed her eyes

Enid closed her eyes
she hated
closing her eyes
in case her father
suddenly whacked her one
as he used to do

she waited on edge
her fingers together
in prayer mode shaking

her father's voice
said a grace
it was soft and even
then ended
with an Amen

her mother opened her eyes
and so did Enid

her father
was gazing at her
how's Benny Boy?
he asked

he's all right
Enid replied anxiously
looking at her hands
still shaking

good
he knows things
doesn't he?
he asked

what things?
Enid said

history stuff
the Bible
her father said

I guess he does
she said
her voice soft
but on edge

she began to eat
forking in food slowly
just in case
he got up swiftly
and slapped her
about the head
as he did
a few weeks before
for staring at him

will you get
the new orders?
her mother asked him

he nodded
swallowed his mouthful
he said
yes it's a good order
we're doing well

Enid looked at him
his voice was gentle
not harsh
as it was

his eyes almost smiling
not glaring
as they often did
at her or her mother

she wasn't sure
now if it was
her father
or some other.