AFTER THE TEA PARTY 1969

BOY AND GIRL AFTER A TEA PARTY AT HER PARENTS' HOUSE IN 1969

How did my interrogation go
at the tea party
with your parents
last night?
I said to Sophia
the next morning at work

she smiled
it went well
to było dobre
as my mother would say
she said
it was good

I smiled feeling relieved  
I was beginning to think
it was going to be
the thumbscrews next
I said
your father was hard going

she gestured with her hands
as if to say
that is normal

I was afraid
you might say about us
having sex
she said

I'm not that suicidal
I said
although he did mention
sexual relations

she frowned

he asked if I thought
sex after marriage was good
as taught in the Catholic Church
I said
and I said yes
I added
seeing anxiety
etch itself
on her face

Mother was unsure of you
Sophia said
after you left
she spoke in Polish
and said you smiled too much
and your tie was loose

I raised an eyebrow

she's fussy
Sophia said
but Father likes you
and if he's convinced
then you are
half way there

half way?
I said

yes he wants you
to come again
for dinner this time
Sophia said

thumbscrews this time?
I said

she shook her head
no just have a talk
and eat and have wine
and relax

then sex after?
I said

she frowned
no that's not
a good idea
she said

I was joking
I said

she nodded and smiled
I see
and she went off to clean

I went to get Sidney
up and dressed
for breakfast
thinking of her
and wishing there was
no dinner to go to
with her parents

but it seemed settled
and I didn't want
to upset her father
or cause him concern
even if seeing her
walk that way she did
made me burn.