SOME DISTANT SHORE 1962A Poem by Terry CollettTWO SISTERS BEFORE SCHOOL ARGUING IN 1962.The finishing touches applied to hair and eyes and Sheila is ready for school, her elder sister prim and proper and plain as grey stares at Sheila's image from the back sitting on her bed brushing her hair thinking of how tarty her younger sister is, how God would judge she knows not nor care, names you called out in your sleep last night she says, Sheila stops her touching hair and turns and stares, names? what names? her sister eyes her don't know couldn't make out boy's name sounded like, Sheila studies her elder sister's gaze, the slit of lips, dark eyes staring, probably that male teacher I don't like him always telling me off Sheila says, which male teacher? the sister says, Sheila looks away the sky is clear today blue and white clouds, Mr P with eyebrows dark as bats and eyes likewise Sheila says, shouldn't mock our teachers disrespect of teachers is a sin the sister says hands in lap, God has placed them where they are for a reason He alone knows and we not to judge, Sheila sees birds fly the sky wishing she could too he mocks me Sheila says, why does God permit that if He does allow? her sister stares and her slit of lips tighten and she says no more, thinking no doubt of her Jesus standing and calling her from some distant shore. © 2015 Terry Collett |
StatsAuthorTerry CollettUnited KingdomAboutTerry Collett has been writing since 1971 and published on and off since 1972. He has written poems, plays, and short stories. He is married with eight children and eight grandchildren. on January 27t.. more..Writing
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