Jeanette was by
the wire fence
leaning against it
her hands
in front of her
resting one
on the other
she watched me
as I came out
of the school door
leading from the side
onto the sports field
her friend Angela
the blonde girl
had gone home
for lunch
my did you kiss me
like that?
she asked
as I went by her
your cheek
was tempting me
I said
so I kissed it
you should have
at least asked
she said
I will next time
I said
looking at her
taking in
her thin frame
and arms
what makes you think
there will be
a next time?
she said
her eyes were dark
like small currents
in cream dishes
I feel lucky
I said smiling
she didn’t smile back
you hang around
with that Rolland boy
don't you?
she said
yes he's a friend
I said
I don't like him
she said
he doesn't like you
much either
I said
he says
you're a titless wonder
she blushed
and looked away
but I like you
I think you have
a certain class
I mean the way you
sit there listening
to all that classical stuff
Miss Graham plays
to us in lessons
while we
are bored brainless
you sit there
in another world
actually enjoying it
she looked at me
I love Beethoven
she said
his music moves me
her eyes settled on me
she played with her fingers
but you ought
to have asked
before kissing
she said
have you told anyone
I kissed you?
no of course not
she said
shame it might do
some good
I said
in what way?
she said
other kids might not
think you so stuffy
and snobbish
I said
she looked
at her well heeled shoes
and white socks
it was only a peck
she said
not a real kiss
it was lips
on cheek skin
I said
wet and warm
she said shyly
there you go
I said
BENNY
Rolland called out
from the sports field
COME ON FOOTIE
best go
I said
see you in class
and I ran off
towards Rolland
and other boys
kicking a ball
maybe a kiss tomorrow
she had said
as I went off
up on the grass
I nodded
and turned away
the sky had brightened
blue skies
had moved off
the dull of grey.