TO THE PALACE 1958

A BOY AND GIRL GO TO VISITED BUCKINGHAM PALACE IN 1958

Lydia and I got off the train
at London Victoria train station

and she said
how far is it
to the Palace?

not far
I said
just a short walk

so we came out
of the station
and crossed the road
(I held her hand tight)
then along a longer road
passed shops
and buildings
and people going both ways

busy up here isn't it
she said

yes can be
my old man brings here
quite a lot
I said  

is the Queen at home?
she said

don't know
but if the flag is there
she is I think
I said

what flag?
she said

the Royal Standard
I think it's called
I said

she nodded her head  
and her lanky
brown hair shook
and we walked on
until we came around
to Buckingham Palace

isn't it big
she said
fancy living here

we stood outside the railings
looking in
amongst many
other people gazing in

is she home?
Lydia said

I looked up to see
if there was a flag

no flag so
she can't be home
I said

shame might have seen her
Lydia said
peering through
the gap of the railings

I saw her once
I said

you never did
did you?

yes just a quick glimpse
of her and the Duke
going by
in a posh car
along the New Kent Road
a year or so ago
I said

did she wave?
Lydia said
staring at me
to if I was going to laugh
as if it was a joke

yes I think she did
but it was so quick
I waved a flag at her
I said

gosh
Lydia said
bet that was good

it was all right
long wait though
until she came and went

Lydia was quiet
for a short time
(miracles happen)
and we watched
the changing of the guards
and watched the building
in case someone
came out on a balcony
and waved at us
but no one did

after a while
we walked off
and got an ice cream
in the park nearby
and sat (watching
the ducks floating by)
on wooden benches
and sat together
licking our ices
staring out
at the water
which was what
an adventure
was all about.