I DIDN'T LIE 1951A Poem by Terry CollettA BOY AND GIRL AND A BLUE BUDGIE IN 1951Auntie took me to Milly's place across the parade ground Milly let us in and Milly said to her daughter Elsie show Benny the blue budgie Elsie looked at me sternly and unsmiling budgie wants to sleep Elsie said budgies don't sleep in the day Milly said show Benny the bird Elsie sighed and walked to the other room where a birdcage was hooked up to a metal stand I saw the blue budgie on a perch that's the bird Elsie said glumly looking at me what's it's name? I asked why'd you want to know? She said so I can talk to it I said talk to a bird? She said mockingly boys don't talk to birds I studied the blue budgie hello blue bird I said the budgie chirped and flapped its wings it's name's not blue bird Elsie said what's it's name then? I said not telling you she said and walked off is it Elsie too? I said she turned and gazed at me no it's a boy bird boy birds aren't called girl names she said Milly came in the room to fetch a couple of plates are you talking to Billy? She asked me yes I said he chirped at me Milly smiled that's good she said Elsie glared at me as her mother walked back out the room hello Billy I said to the budgie the bird chirped again Elsie stood next to me and stared at the budgie perhaps he likes you she said I don't know why I looked at the budgie I like you I said quietly Elsie stared at me do you? She said I nodded I don't know why she added and walked away nor do I my voice uttered softly to Billy Elsie had gone and the bird flapped its wings and flew across the cage to the other side I did like her I didn't lie. © 2016 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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