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.

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