WASN'T THE SAME 1957A Poem by Terry CollettKIDS IN LONDON AND POSSIBLE PARENT ISSUES AGAIN IN 1957I was flicking football cards with Jim, when I saw Enid going towards the slope from the Square. Be back in a while Jim, I said, and walked over to where Enid was. She stopped when she saw me. What happened to you yesterday? I waited but you never showed, is your old man up to his old ways again? She looked back over her shoulder towards the flats behind. He's sort of all right, but he was very moody yesterday and Mum thought it best I stayed in and not go out in case, but he was all right and never hit us or anything, but I did miss not going with you to the market, she said. I missed you, but I got the fish tank for the goldfish, and it's ok, I said. She looked at me and she had no visible bruises or cuts so I thought she must be all right. Are you allowed out today? I said. Not sure, I am just going to the shop for Mum, but I don't want to push it while he's in a mood, she said, where are you going? Not sure yet just playing cards with Jim, but maybe later if you come around I'll see where we can go, I said. She nodded, but I thought I detected her old fears arising so didn't push it. Best get to the shop, she said, or Dad might wonder where I have got to. Isn't he going to work today? I said. No he's off for the day, he said we might go somewhere, she said. She hesitated, then walked on down the slope. I watched her go until she went in the shop across Rockingham Street. I sighed, then went back to Jim and the card flicking game, but my thoughts were on Enid, and the game wasn't the same. © 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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