SHE SMILED 1962

TWO SCHOOL BOY AND A GIRL ON A SCHOOL BUS IN 1962

He waits for her
to get on the school bus

he's seen her waiting
with others
at the bus stop

now as he sits
in the side seat
near the window
he feels a sense of panic
go through him

as if just the look
of her eyes
will send him
into a tailspin
and confusion

but Elaine is behind
her sister coming along
the aisle of the bus

he tries to prepare
to look as casual
as he can

her sister passes by
talking to her friend

Elaine looks down
at her feet as she walks

will she look at me?
John asks
that smile yesterday
so shy so certain

he waits and looks at her
she walks on shyly
then just when he thinks
she won't look his way
she does and blushes
yet smiles the shyest smile
he thought was possible

then she's gone
near the back
where she usually sits
with her sister

he can if he wishes
look over his seat
and see her
but he can't
he hasn't the nerve

hey John
Goldfinch says
beside him
did you hear
about the football scores
last night?

no I didn't
John says turning his head
watching the view
as the bus starts up
and away

she smiled
she actually smiled
he muses

you know who'll win
it this season?
Goldfinch says

no idea
John says
and couldn't care less
but looks at the view
as Goldfinch gabs on
of this and that
and football news

yes she smiled
shyly but smiled
he muses
smiling to himself
and seeing
in the window scene
the colour of flowers
and the shades of green.