You met her in a field
beyond her house
during summer recess
that last one
before you both left
school for good
you'd walked
from the big wooden gate
by hedgerows
where birds sang
and flew out
pass you
sky blue
as if Monet
had been at work
my mother thinks
we've been doing things
she said
things?
you said
you know what I mean
she said
a steam train
passed by
over by the far hedge
we have
you said
I know and you know
but I don't want her
thinking we have
Judy said
you frowned
the white
and grey smoke
from the train
puffed
into the sky
so it's a kind of
knowledge thing?
you said
who's to know
and who isn't?
some people matter
she said
especially her
I’ll never hear
the last of it
if she thinks
we have
the grass was dry
and the earth hard
your shoes had seen better days
so we're here
in a field
where she could
possibly see us
and you're worrying
that she thinks
we have done things?
Judy sighed
and looked back
at the house
surrounded by fields
she's probably watching now
she said
following our movement
you looked back too
hands in the pockets
of your blue jeans
has she binoculars?
you said
not that I know
Judy said
doesn't matter
she has eyes
like a hawk
how are you
going to convince
we haven’t
done things?
you asked
she looked away
from the house
and sat on the grass
with you following
she sat cross legged
pulling the skirt
over her knees
spoilsport
you said
shouldn't look
didn't get a chance
too slow
she said
getting old
you smiled
I’m 14 like you
if that's too old
I'm Monet's aunt
she laughed
this isn't
solving the problem
she said
there isn't a problem
you said
just a matter
of perception
or not
as the case
is meant to be
what do you mean?
she said
your mother thinks
we have
and we have
yet you want her
not to think that
you replied
yes that's right
Judy said
maybe she wants
to think that
you said
why should she?
Judy asked
maybe she doesn't trust me
you said
she doesn't
Judy said
but she should trust me
you nodded
I see what you mean
so she should trust you
not to do such things
even when you have?
you said
it's the thought
that counts
she said
she put her hands
each side of her
on the grass
you could see
her cleavage
where her
blouse buttons
gave a little
yes
you said
it's the thought
that counts
and the thoughts
hung around
your head
wishing it
had not been
a hay barn
but a cosy
warm bed
instead.