BRANDED BY HOT LIPS.

A BOY AND GIRL ON A SCHOOL PLAYING FIELD IN 1962

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.