Not Always What We Seek
After you'd got on
the school bus
and sat down
in one of the side seats
Jane said
who did you fight with
in the playground
lunchtime?
Woolgar
you said
he pushed me over
against the wire fence
and I got up
and went for him
she looked disappointed
I didn't think
you could be violent
she said
I'm not usually
but it was an automatic
response to being
pushed over
you said
my daddy said
one should turn
the other cheek
especially if you're a Christian
she said softly
the school bus
started up
and took off down
the school drive
sorry
you said
but the creep
got under my skin
and if you let them
get away with it once
they'll always do it
she gazed at you
then out
of the window
at the passing shops
and buildings
of the town
were you watching?
you asked
yes I saw you
from the girl's playground
she muttered
not looking round
guess it looked
kind of bad
yes it did
she turned
and looked at you
but at least
you don't do it
all the time
she said
and touched
your hand
with hers
and you felt sad
inside that you'd
made her feel like that
and you saw
how lovely her
dark eyes were
how there seemed
to be a mini universe
in them with their own
galaxies and stars
and moons
next time I'll think twice
you said
before hitting
the other boy
she nodded
and smiled
and her hand
squeezed yours
her skin soft and warm
her hair black
and drawn back
into a ponytail
sitting there
beside you
her grey school skirt
and jumper
and white blouse
the neck open
the sight
of her throat
and you wanting
to kiss but not doing so
her neck
her skin
the feel
of her hair
against your cheek
sometimes
you thought
we can't have
what we seek.
poem by Terry Collett
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Related quotes
An Angel's Touch
It was Wednesday morning service
in the church next to the school
and Helen sat next to you
in the old wooden pew
her eyes peering
behind her thick lens glasses
at you and she whispered
your mum's meeting my mum
in the street market after school
and then we're going to my house
for a cup of tea
and I can show you
my doll's house
that my dad made
out of an orange box
and it's got lights
and everything
you leaned your head
towards her and said
in a low voice
oh right yes that'll be good
hoping none of your mates
could hear
especially Cogan
who only the other week
threatened to bloody your nose
but he didn't show after school
and she smiled
and you looked at the altar
where the vicar
was lighting candles
and Mrs Murphy
was walking down the aisle
like an aging storm trooper
in her hand knitted cardigan
and brown pleated skirt
Helen whispered
and you can see
the tiny furniture
I've got too
that my mum bought
from a second hand shop
off the market
you looked at her
sitting there
in her grey jumper
and white blouse
and grey skirt
and her plaited hair
parted in the middle
and her bright eyes
magnified by the glass lens
and you said
I look forward to it
and she rubbed your hand
with hers
and then looked ahead
at the lighted candles
and sniffed in the incense
in the air and her hand
moved to pick up
a hymn book
and you sensed where
her hand had been
like some angel's touch
as if to bless
well that's what
it seemed like to you
more or less.
poem by Terry Collett
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What Others May Think.
Apart from the water tower
and the farm
and a few scattered cottages
there were no other buildings
for a mile or more
just you and Jane
and birds in the early morning sky
I like it at this time of day
she said
I like the fresh smell of nature
and the farm
and having few people about
you walked beside her down the lane
that led away from the farm
you noticed how her black hair
seemed freshly washed
and blew slightly in the mild wind
does you father mind
you being out with me?
you asked softly
he doesn't know
she replied
he thinks I came out alone
for a morning walk
why didn't you tell him?
you asked
he was busy writing his Sunday sermon
and it was easier to just go out
and not disturb him
she said looking around at you
her eyes studying you
as she walked on down the lane
would he mind you being with me?
you asked
I don't think he knows you as yet
seeing as you have only moved here
a few months and don't come
to the church
you stopped and took her hand in yours
it was warm and soft
and pulsed with life
she looked at your hand
holding hers and she rubbed
her thumb over the back
of your hand
you wanted to kiss her lips
or cheek just to feel
her flesh on yours
but you didn't you just looked at her
and waited to see
what she would do next
she let go of your hand
and looked around her
there might be people looking
from those cottages up there
she said suddenly pointing up
at the rising bank which went up
to two cottages high up
if they see us they may tell Father
and then it would be awkward
and he might suspect things
and then she went quiet
and looked at the running stream
by the lane
but we haven't done anything
we just walk out and talk
and hold hands now and then
it's not what we do
it's what others think we do
she said softly
and stood looking at you
waiting for you to speak
but you said nothing
just leaned in close to her
and kissed her cheek
and said
even Christ permitted kisses
even the one from Judas
and she smiled
and the early morning sun
pushed through trees
and shone on her hair
and there was the sound of birds
singing in the air.
poem by Terry Collett
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For Love Of
You're the boy
from near the farm
aren't you?
Jane asked
standing by
the school bus
after school
had finished
for the day
yes
you replied
yes I am
and you wanted
to say more
but your tongue
dried up
as if stuck
in some desert
someone said
you're new there
she added
looking at you
with her pale blue eyes
a few months
you said
taking in
her smooth skin
how dark her hair
how straight
and touching over
her shoulders
you ventured words
are you
the parson's daughter?
she nodded
rather than spoke
her reply
then looked away
as other kids
came towards
the school bus
and stood back
as they climbed aboard
their noisy voices
drowning out
the ambience
of her being there
like big guns of war
breaking through
the peacefulness
of a pre-war dawn
and you waited for her
to speak again
but she looked back
at the school
as if the audience
granted you
had ended
and you stood there
waiting to board the bus
like all the rest
come on Jane
someone called
and she turned
and climbed aboard
leaving you to stand
and watch
the lifting
of her leg
the black shiny shoes
the white socks
the way her hands
pulled her up
the next step
and you savouring
each moment
of her motion
full of a love
like one
for a work of art
full of emotion.
poem by Terry Collett
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One Summer 1962
Christina sat next to you
on the school playing fields
the summer day was hot
and she sat there
cross-legged
her school skirt
touching on her knees
and you looked beyond her
wondering if the girl
who had kissed you
at Christmas
while carol singing
was looking over at you
from a group of girls
across the way
I wish I had
my bathing costume on
Christina said
so do I
you said looking back
at her taking in
her white knees
catching the summer sun
she giggled and looked away
did Cedric tell you about me
and what I told him?
she asked
her profile
like some Renoir girl
yes
you said
remembering Cedric's words
and his blushing face
he seemed put out
you added
you don't want to worry
about Cedric
she said
he hates me getting into boys
as she said this
you looked over
at the girl who kissed you
and she was staring
over at you and Christina
and seemed annoyed
and as you gazed at her
you still felt that kiss
on your lips
and that embrace
in the moonlight
and Christina touched
your knee
and said
if you want privacy
we can always go up
into the woods by the fence
and you said
did you hear about Brilton
the teacher of English?
No
she said
what?
he's been sacked
why? she asked
running her hand
along your thigh
for taking boys home
in the lunch period
you said
oh
she said
removing her hand
what for?
You looked
at her knees
in the sunlight
how the light
seemed to warm them
no idea
you said
and you looked away
with a picture
of her knees
carried in your head.
poem by Terry Collett
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Waiting By The School Gates
Look who's over
by the school gates
Reynard said
and you looked over
and there was Christina
with her school bag
over her shoulder
and her hands tucked
in the pockets
of her green coat
see you tomorrow
Reynard said
and walked on
giving Christina a stare
as he did most girls
finding them an enigma
yet to be solved
when you got
to where Christina was
she took her hands
out of her pockets
and put a hand
on your arm
I wish I was going
on the school bus
with you
then I could sit next to you
and I could tell you
about myself
and not have to cram
everything into a rush
of words as I do
at school
you looked over
to where the school bus
was waiting
you still had
five minutes
or so before
it took off
and you knew
Fred the driver
always did
a head count
before hand
don't you wish
I was there
on the bus too?
she asked
squeezing your arm
with her fingers
you turned
and looked at her
sure I do
you said
but you live here
and I live miles away
I know
she said
and I miss you
once your bus goes off
and I know
I won't see you
until the following day
and the weekend is worse
because then
I don't see you
for two whole days
other kids
passing through
the school gates
stared at you both
and Hill said
come on
or you'll miss
the bus
and he laughed
and moved on
and Christina stared
after him and said
what's his problem?
and you said
oh he hasn't been born yet
he gets this way
and she laughed
and said
maybe I'll come
on the country bus
to your village
and we can meet?
sure that'd be good
you said
and her eyes lit up
and she smiled
and leaned
towards you
and gave your cheek
a peck
and you said
look I got to go
and you took her hand
and gave it
a quick kiss
then turned
and walked quickly
towards the bus
knowing her eyes
were following
your every step
and that maybe
she dreamed
of you at night
and imagined you
beside her
and her dolls
and Teddy Bear
and you in turn
maybe imagined
at night
you too were there.
poem by Terry Collett
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Cedric's Message.
Cedric approached you
in the playground and said
My sister Christina
wants to see you
on the playing field lunchtime
and he said it
in a quiet voice
as if he didn't want
the other boys to hear
he ran messages for girls
and off he went
to play with some other boys
leaving you to stare out
onto the empty playing field
and so lunch time
after you'd eaten dinner
you went onto the playing field
beneath the summer sun
and there she was
over by the wire fence
waiting for you
and you said
Cedric said you wanted to see me
and she said
Yes do you mind
if we walk off alone together
I don't want other's ears
to move in on our conversation
No sure
you said
Let's go over by the woods
by the far fence
and so you walked off with her
across the playing field
by other kids who were playing
football or sitting talking
or playing skip rope
or whatever
and when you came
to the woods
you sat down with her
and she said
You do love me
don't you?
I mean you're not
seeing anyone else?
You looked across
the playing field
to where you'd sat
with another
some months before
and she had asked
the same question
but since then
it had turned
momentarily sour
Yes and no
you said
looking back at her
taking in her dark hair
and deep eyes
and how her hand
lay on her thigh
covered by grey skirt
and her naked knees
just visible
to the eye
What do you mean
yes and no?
she asked
you watched
her lips move
and replied
Yes I love you
and no I'm not
seeing another
and she smiled at you
and put her hand on yours
and waited for a kiss
and so you did
her lips on yours
out by the woods
on that summer day
out of doors.
poem by Terry Collett
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Will One Day Go.
Sorry about
your granddad's death
Judith said
as you stood
beside her
by the pond
at the back
of the house
in the woods
the autumn sun
lighting up patches
of the water's skin
it was sudden
you said
my uncle told me
she took
your hand
in hers
and squeezed
her soft skin
on yours
her thumb
rubbing
the back
of your hand
best remember him
as he was
she said
living and smiling
not some place
lying dead
you nodded
trying
to conjure up
when you'd
seen him last
sitting in
the back garden
of his house
months earlier
talking
of his flowers
he'd grown
from seed
his white hair
moved slightly
by the breeze
he liked my new suit
you said
thought it looked smart
she kissed your cheek
and said
hold on
to things
like that
your memories
place them
in a drawer
inside your head
a jackdaw flew
across the skin
of the pond
the black and white
of wings and tail
reflected
in the water
below
what comes
from God
she whispered
whether
nature's beauty
or ones
we love
will one day
sadly go.
poem by Terry Collett
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What Cedric Said About His Sister.
Cedric followed you
around the playground
at high school
it seemed he wanted
to say something to you
but instead he just followed
you around until
as you stood looking over
at the playing field
where kids were gathering
in their break period
he said
my sister likes you
how do you know?
you asked
because she told me
he replied blushing
looking over at the playing field
isn't she your twin?
Yes
he said
going red
gazing at his sister
standing with a group
of friends on the field
you looked over at the girls
at Cedric's sister waving a hand
so that's Christina
yes
he muttered
the one with the dark hair
and waving a hand
then he went silent
and looked at you
Mother said she's too young for boyfriends
he said after a few moments
but she doesn't listen
she does what she wants
so she told me to tell you
she likes you
and so you nodded
and waved your hand
back at the girls
and there was an explosion
of giggling and laughter
and waving of hands
and then they ran off
onto the field
and as they ran off
you noticed Cedric's sister
had a cute butt
but you didn't tell him that
you just turned and said
fancy a game of ball?
and he just nodded
and said nothing more
about his sister at all.
poem by Terry Collett
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After School Walk
After lessons at junior school
coming down the bricks stairs
Helen said
can I walk home with you?
Sure
you replied
and she set off with you
along St George's Road
the traffic and smoke fumes
setting the scene
she in her school frock
and cardigan
and white ankle socks
beside you in your grey jacket
and grey short trousers
and she said
I don't usually walk home alone
but mum said I can walk home
with you save her coming along
to the school with the other kids
and pram with baby
you took in
her two plaits of hair
and thin framed glasses
with large lens
which made her eyes
larger than they were
her small hands
by her side
a small school bag
over her shoulder
and did you know
Janice likes you?
Her grandmother
told my mother
the other day
after school
but I like you better
do you like me?
she asked
you noticed
she had small white teeth
with a thin brace
along the top
sure I do
you replied
I like Janice too
but you I like more
and she smiled
and put her right hand
in yours and squeezed it
and you smiled
but hoped none
of the other boys around
noticed the hand holding
after all a tough boy
has a reputation to maintain
and as you squeezed
her hand back
clouds darkened
and it started
to piss with rain.
poem by Terry Collett
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Burn The School Down
She said
I lost my best friend last week at school
He got shot
Someone thought that he was part of something that
He was not
Now I'm watching all the cheerleaders show just how sad they are
When my friend used to come 'round
They used to laugh and egg his car
Now I'm gonna do my part as a concerned citizen
I think we should burn the school down
And start again
Burn it
'Till there's nothing left
Burn it
Just like all the rest
Burn it
Clear up all this mess
Burn it down
Education for the nation
Kids retaliate on each station
Expectation, violation
Pressure increased in each generation
Burn the school down
Burn the school down
Burn the school down, she said
Burn the school down
Burn the school down
Burn the school down, start again
'Cause now what I want to know
Will the eyes inside the back of your mind let it go?
Now all I want to know
Will the eyes inside the back of your mind let it go?
She says
I want to feel more comfort in my own skin
But everyone around me makes me feel like
I'm worth less than them
Burn the school down
Burn the school down
Burn the school down, she said
Burn the school down
Burn the school down
Burn the school down, start again
Burn it
'Till there's nothing left
Burn it
Just like all the rest
Burn it
Clear up all this mess
Burn it down
'Cause now what I want to know
Will the eyes inside the back of your mind let it go?
Now all I want to know
Will the eyes inside the back of your mind let it go?
Now all I want to know
Will the eyes inside the back of your mind let it go?
Now all I want to know
Will the eyes inside the back of your mind let it go?
Burn the school down
Burn the school down
Burn the school down, right?
Burn the school down
Burn the school down
Burn the school down, right?
Burn the school down
Burn the school down
Burn the school down, right?
Burn the school down
Burn the school down
Burn the school down, right
Burn it
'Till there's nothing left
Burn it
Just like all the rest
Burn it
Clear up all this mess
Burn it down
'Cause now what I want to know
Will the eyes inside the back of your mind let it go?
Now all I want to know
Will the eyes inside the back of your mind let it go?
Now all I want to know
Will the eyes inside the back of your mind let it go?
Now all I want to know
Will the eyes inside the back of your mind let it go?
Now all I want to know
Now all I want to know
Now all I want to know
Now all I want to know
song performed by by Zebrahead
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Fay and You and the Ruler.
Fay met you
on your way home
from school
standing by the entrance
of Meadow Row
she was in her school uniform
a satchel
over a shoulder
how was school?
she asked
boring and the day
too long
you replied
but at least
you can learn things
she said
like how
to make a candle
holder in woodwork?
finding some river
in India
I'll never see?
you said
she smiled shyly
well maybe you will
she said
how are you?
you asked
ok
she replied
got told off
by Sister Bernard
for not having a ruler
what did you do
with your ruler?
you asked
lost it
she said
ah well
there you are
you said
naughty naughty
she walked on
down Meadow Row
and you walked
beside her
actually
she said quietly
my daddy took it
she stood still
and stared at you
he beat me
with it
she said
in a whisper
you looked
into her eyes
and saw your
reflection there
two yous
staring back
why?
you asked
taking in her paleness
her fair hair tied
in a ponytail
he said l hadn't done
my jobs properly
jobs?
you asked
around the house
helping my mum
and did you? help?
yes usually
but I forgot
this time
big crime
you said
won't he give
the ruler back?
no
she said
he said he will keep it
as a lesson to me
can't you buy
a new one?
you asked
I haven't any money
she said
you can have
one of mine
you said
I have plenty at home
can I borrow one?
you can have one
she smiled weakly
her eyes lit up
and she took one
of your hands
and held it
I'll have to hide it though
she said
or he'll take
that one too
quite a guy your dad
you said
she looked away
at the bombed out houses
on the left hand side
you saw her hurt
and sadness
some things you can't hide.
poem by Terry Collett
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Janice and You and the Spider
You stood
in the playground
of St Jude's school
which was really
the basement
of a bombed out house
which had been gutted
and the basement tarmaced
and the walls
were still there
where kids climbed up
and around
the thin ledge
when Janice
put her hands
over your eyes
and said
guess who?
and you put
your hands
into the pockets
of your short trousers
and said
Miss Murphy
or Miss Ashdown?
no
Janice said
it's me
and she removed
her hands
from over your eyes
and you turned around
and looked at her
and she had
her red beret on
and a pink scarf
around her neck
to keep out
the cold
you must
have known
it was me
she said
who else
would put their hands
over your eyes?
her eyes were bright
and you thought
you could see yourself
in them
as if they were small mirrors
Jupp might do
or maybe Carmody
you said smiling
she didn't smile back
but pulled her lips
tight in a line
then she took your hand
and pulled you
along the path
that led
to the school toilets
and pushed you
inside a cubicle
and shut the door
behind you both
and said
don't you love me?
there was a large spider
hanging from
the cistern chain
close to
her red beret
and it hung there
suspended
swaying back
and forth
and you said
of course I do
right down
to your white socks
but there's a spider
above your head
and she looked up
and screamed
and a voice
outside the door
asked
are you all right
in there?
Janice's eyes widened
and she watched
as the spider
moved up the chain
and she said
yes it's all right
Miss Murphy
just a small spider
and you stood there
next to Janice
wondering what
Miss Murphy
would say
if she saw you
and Janice
in the lavatory
together
and the voice said
ok as long
as you
are all right
and the footsteps
moved away
and Janice took
your hand in hers
and you sensed
how cold it was
slightly blue
and it was just
9 year old Janice
and the big spider
and 9 year old you.
poem by Terry Collett
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School Fight
How you got into a fight
with Woolgar in the school
playground God only knows
but it seems to stem from
him pushing into you and
knocking you against the wire
fence and then you rush at him
like a bull in a marketplace with
a flurry of punches catching him
high on the cheek with a tight fist
then a crowd gathers and an almost
perfect ring and on the periphery
out of the corner of your eye you
see them gathered excitedly chanting
loudly bundle bundle fight fight then
Woolgar put up his fists in front of
his face and you know instinctively
he’s no fighter that he’s not put
those fists up in a real fight and the
fire seeps from you and you move
your fists in the way you’d been taught
and duck and weave but you’re just
going through motions now and his eyes
widen in fear and you know you ought
to go off and leave him there as the
anger has almost gone then there’s
a shout of PREFECTS! and the audience
of eager schoolboys disperses and you
walk off into the crowd and Woolgar
drops his hands by his side and stares
up and out at the hills as if some voice
had called him like some ancient prophet
and the school prefects seeing nothing or
no one go off disgruntled and forget.
poem by Terry Collett
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Pushing One Leg Anne
Push me
through the avenue of trees
Anne said
I'm pissed off with the kids
asking how I lost my leg
and so you pushed
the wheelchair
along the avenue
out of sight of others
away from their childish chatters
and ball games
and cries of want and woes
go on you skinny arse
push push
she muttered
and you pushed on the handles
with all your might
over the dry grass
and she rocked
up and down
and side to side
until she bellowed
this will do small fellow
rest me here
and you let go
of the handles
and puffed for breath
and looked at her
sitting there
in the wheelchair
with her bright eyes
and black hair
and she pulled
your hand towards her
and laid it on her one leg
and said
that's your reward
for pushing me
and she rubbed your hand
over the red skirt
the soft texture
warming the skin
you watched her hand
holding yours
her other hand holding
the side of the chair
sensing her softness
beneath the hardness
and brashness
but saying nothing
just taking in
the sensations and newness
and she said
just as well Matron
hasn't seen this
or it'd give her
such a flush
and she laughed
and let go of your hand
and your hand lingered
over her thigh
like a bird set free
waiting to take
to the sky.
poem by Terry Collett
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chapter one- The key in the darkness
'youll be fine! ', said my mom in a calm tone of voice.
I was sitting in my mom warm car, look out at the passanger seat window.Out that window was my new school. The school Id been waiting all summer to go to. My older school was a very small, private school. Im mean this school was extreemly small, to the point that the average people in each class was about 15 students. My old school was also very strict, catholic school.To also a point were we went to chapel every sunday and even had religious class everyday.
As I looked to my mom and said good-bye, i stepped out of the car.As i was walking towards the school I could feel my hands getting sweaty and my heart beating a little faster. As i reached out my hand to grab those big double door to my new school, i stopped. Just for a breif moment i thought that this was it, no turning back. that beyond those doors might be pure joy or pure sadness.
But what I didnt know, is that beyond those door what truly lied ahead for my future.
Christina and You and Home for Lunch
As you went by
the girl's playground
after getting off
the school bus
Christina called to you
through the wire fence
and said
my mother said
you can come home
for lunch today
if you like
ok
you said
where shall I meet you?
Cedric will bring you along
she said
and so when
the lunch time
recess bell rang
you followed Cedric
out of the school
and saw Christina
by the outer fence waiting
are you sure
your mother doesn't mind?
you asked
of course not
she said
Cedric walked on in front
leaving you and Christiana
to walk on behind
she talked about some girl
in her class who had a boyfriend
and claimed
to have had sex
and then she went on
about the teacher
who had been expelled
for taking pupils home
in his lunch hour
it was boys though
she added
and then you came
to her house
and she took you in
and there was her mother
in the kitchen
nice to meet you
she said
Christina has talked
about you so much
Cedric behind
his mother's back
was making gagging gestures
with his fingers
down his throat
Christina looked at you
and smiled
nice to be here
you said
are you sure it's all right
me coming?
of course it is
Christina's mother said
now sit down
and I'll serve up for us all
and so you all sat down
around the table
and Cedric looked at you
then looked down
at his knife and fork
and Christina said
glad you're here
and she put a hand
over yours
and gave your hand
a squeeze
then removed it
when her mother
set down the plates
and then sat down herself
and you all began to eat
in an unusual silence
Christina giving you
a bright eyed stare
and Cedric looking
over your shoulder
as if you weren't there
after lunch their mother
cleared the table
of plates and went off
and Cedric went
into the lounge
leaving you and Christina alone
what do you think?
she asked
about what?
you asked
my mother
what do you think of her?
she seems nice
you said
she gets depressed a lot
Christina said
but today
she was at her best
oh right
you said
sorry she gets depressed
come on
Christina said
I'll show you my room
you raised your eyebrows
won't your mother mind?
you asked
not if she doesn't know
Christina replied
isn't it a bit risky?
you said
yes
she said
that's what makes life
so interesting
so you followed her
and tiptoed up the stairs
and she showed you
her bedroom
and her favourite doll
and other favourites of hers
lined along her bed
then she kissed you quickly
and then stood back
and smiled and said
best go down now
or she'll wonder
where we are
and so that was it
and as you followed her
down the stairs
you could hear the radio
playing some classical music
and her mother
humming along
and sounding quite happy
and Christina giving you
another kiss
behind her mother's back
and after saying thank you
to her mother
you all left
to return to school
the clouds promising rain
and so back to school
and the boring lessons
once again.
poem by Terry Collett
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Branded By Hot Lips
Christina sat crossed legged
on the grass of the school playing field
her friends got up and left
as you arrived after school lunch
where's your friend Rolland?
she asked
gone off with Woolgar
to play football
you replied
she patted the grass
beside her
why don't you sit down?
she said
so you sat down beside her
looking at her dark brown hair
brushed so so
and her green summer dress
just covering her knees
the black shoes
and white ankle socks
completing the picture
as if your eyes
had mentally painted her
for later reference
she leaned forward
and kissed your forehead
a damp patched
the size of her lips
remained there
she said
something to remind you
of me afterwards
while you're sitting
in class doing boring history
or geography or whatever
thanks
you said
actually it's maths
which is even more boring
so the kiss memento
will come in handy
she laughed and looked away
you spotted Rolland
over the way
standing in a goal
between two coats
Cedric can see us out here
she said
breaking the brief silence
why does it matter
if your brother can see us?
Will he tell your parents?
she shrugged her shoulders
don't suspect so
she said
you gazed at her lips
as she spoke
and her hands on her knees
just laying there
palms down
he does watch us though
she said
maybe he's jealous
maybe he wants to sit here with me
you said
she laughed
don't be silly
she said
and you moved
towards her
and kissed her lips
and she pulled you
nearer to her
with one of her hands
behind your neck
and you smelt
lavender water
and her hair brushed
against your cheek
and when your lips
left hers
they felt branded
as if hot coals
had been there
and she said
that was wonderful
and over her shoulder
across the way
Rolland had let in
a goal as his stretched
out hand
missed the ball.
poem by Terry Collett
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Daddy Gave His Little Girl The Blue's
I always looked up to my daddy
I thought my daaddy was the coolest, smoothest daddy every
I liked for my dad to come up to my school
I like for my daddy to come to my school and pick me up form school
And all of my homegirls use to ask me who is that?
And I always say that's my daddy can't he so cool
Until I left school and found him with my best friend
And every since then daddy gave me the blue's? ? ? ? ?
Part: 1
poem by Valentine White
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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All Dressed Up For School
Doot doot doot-doot doot
Doot doot doot-doot doot
Doot doot doot-doot doot
Doot doot doot-doot doot
Well she first caught my eye a runnin' round in shorts
But she never bothered with her hair
Just a barefooted chick with all skinned up knees
Yeah she didn't care what she'd wear
(All dressed up for school)
Dressed up for school, ooo what a turn on
Dressed up for school, ooo what a turn on
Dressed up for school, ooo what a turn on
All dressed up for school
All summer long she had a crush on me
But I just couldn't care at all
But new to school threads really did it for me
Yeah she's turned into a doll
(All dressed up for school)
Dressed up for school, ooo what a turn on
Dressed up for school, ooo what a turn on
Dressed up for school, ooo what a turn on
All dressed up for school
Weah
Goes out every night 'cause she's a sharp little doll
And the guys can't leave her alone
Now she hardly finds the time to talk to me
She's not the little girl I've always known
(All dressed up for school)
Dressed up for school, ooo what a turn on
Dressed up for school, ooo what a turn on
Dressed up for school, ooo what a turn on
All dressed up for school
Doot doot doot-doot doot
Doot doot doot-doot doot
Doot doot doot-doot doot
Doot doot doot-doot doot
song performed by by Beach Boys
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Unwanted Wealth
On the way home from school
you and Helen stopped
and looked in the window
of the pie and eel shop
where a man was cutting off heads
of live eels
and then slitting them open
and knifing out the guts
and then chopping them
up into small pieces
and Helen said
yuk what's he doing
to those poor eels?
you were engrossed in watching
the man's knife slit through
the necks so easy
that the pieces still wriggled
after he pushed them
into a bucket on the side
people eat them
you said
whether jellied
or in pies
with mash and liquor
horrible
Helen said
how could they?
People will eat anything
you replied
turning to gaze
at her horrified face
her eyes magnified
behind her thick lens spectacles
I read somewhere
that some people ate others
in the Leningrad siege
you added
she grabbed your hand
and squeezed it tight
they never did
you're lying
she said
her eyes focused on you
and not the eels
or the man executing them
you saw her lower lip tremble
and said
ok they didn't
you said softly
she looked back at the man
and the eels
and sighed
and you felt her warm flesh
and her small thumb
on the back of your hand
and although you knew
what had happened
you lied to protect her
from the truth
not wanting her innocence
undone by brutal humanity
and its wars
and you kept it
to your 9 year old self
a whole bundle of facts
like an unwanted wealth.
poem by Terry Collett
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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