GET HIM WILD 1955

A BOY AND GIRL IN LONDON IN 1955

Cogan compared
his fists with mine
his were larger
with scarred skin.

I compared his face
to an ape
he didn't smile
but stared at me
you want this?
he said showing me
his fist.

Not today
I have already eaten
I said by reply.

He smacked one fist
into the palm
of the other.

Any time you fancy
your chances
he said
I’ll be waiting for you
after school.

He thumped
his palm again
and walked away.

I watched him go
never hit a person
with glasses on
my mother always said
but in Cogan case
I’d make an exception
if he bugged me to.

Helen had been watching
over by the wall
of the playground.

What did he want?
she asked
looking at me
through her
thick lens glasses.

We were comparing
fist sizes
I said.

Why do that?
she said.

He tried to throw
his weight about
but I wasn't having it
I said.

She looked scared
what if he waits
for you after school?

He's said that before
and he never waited
or showed
I replied.

But he might
this time
she said
biting her lower lip.

Don't worry about him
the big hunk
I've watched Roy Rogers
fight on the TV
I said.

What if he gets you
before you can get him
she said.

The bell rang
for the end of recess
so we walked back
into school
and up the stairs
to the classroom.

Cogan was sitting
at the back
staring at me
as I sat down.

I gave him a nod
as I turned around
and smiled
just to get him angry
and get him wild.