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LET IT STAY THERE.
Helen put dandelions
she had picked
into the pocket
of her dress
present for my mum
she said
she likes flowers
soon be her birthday
but I don't know
how old she is
but flowers
is the best to get
don't you think?
Benedict nodded
he'd taken her
to the grass
in the park
where dandelions
grew in abundance
she'll like them
he said
I think so
Helen said
they came out
of Jail Park
and crossed Bath Terrace
and along
by the metal fence
until they came
to Rockingham Street
she talking
about the man
who stopped her
on the way to school
a few says before
and he said
he would take her
to the seaside
if she went with him
there and then
what did you say
to him?
Benedict asked
I didn't know
what to say
he looked so scary
should have gone
to find a copper
Benedict said
I was scared
she said
so what happened?
I just stared at him dumbly
like I was an imbecile
as Dad says to me
when I sit
at the dinner table
with my mouth open
then what?
Benedict said
he took my hand in his
and it was hot
and sweaty
and I screamed at him
and he ran off
she said
good for you
Benedict said
should have
kneed him one
I was too scared
to do anything
that's why
I screamed
they went under
the railway bridge
just as a steam train
went across the bridge
and pushed grey
and white smoke
over the side
and into the sky
and she said
where would he
have taken me
do you think?
God knows
Benedict said
but not to the seaside
but he didn't say where
he kept that
dark image
to himself
and let it stay there.
