FOR THE MEETING OF HEARTS AND LIPS.

A BOY VISITS A GIRL IN A DRUG UNIT IN 1967

Julie took
one of the cigarettes
out of the packet
you had bought

and said
you’re too kind
and lit it
with a small

plastic lighter
she took from her bag
you both sat
in a side room

set aside
for patients and guests
just off the drug
dependency ward

she was in
there was a scene
of a few trees
and bushes

from the window
marred by the sight
of the other part
of the hospital

over the way
glad you could come
she said
my parents

won’t visit me here
don’t they love you?
you asked
it’s a matter of what

the neighbours might say
if they found out
I was here
she answered

inhaling deeply
and looking at you
with her dark eyes
her dark hair

was pulled back
in an untidy bun
and the hospital
dressing gown

she wore
was stained
and open
at the neck

and down
revealing a small cleavage
of young pinkish flesh
why did you come?

she asked
I wanted to see you
you replied
none of the others

from the Church come
she said
it’s all talk
and promises

and God talk
but none
have come to see me
so far

she inhaled again
and stared out
the window
you studied how

she had crossed
her legs
showing
a glimpse of thigh

where her white
dressing gown
and nightdress
rose high

a nurse entered the room
and said
would you like tea
or coffee?

yes
Julie said
two coffees please
and the nurse

went out and off
her feet pitter
pattering down
the corridor

through the half
open door
I’m lucky here
she said

some druggies
get shoved in mental wards
or poked in
psychiatric units

with other
damaged goods
it seems ok
you replied

lifting your eyes
from her thighs
to her face
pure in its makeup

less state
and dark eyes
19 years young
she said

and already buggered up
as my father has said
I’m sure they love you
in their way

you said
taking in her neck
and the run
of her chin

and her mouth
with the small
moving lips
the nurse came in

with a tray
with two mugs
of white coffee
and a bowl

of brown sugar
and set it down
on the small grey table
and walked out

my parents love me
as property
not as a person
she said

uncrossing
her legs
and lifting a mug
and taking small sips

and oh you thought
(lifting a mug
and drinking)
for the meeting

of our hearts
and lips.