BOX OF WINE GUMS.

TWO KIDS IN A NURSING HOME AND A BOX OF WINE GUMS IN 1950S.

The Kid's mother
and uncle came
to the nursing home
and brought him

a box of wine gums
as they left
that your mother Kid?
Anne asked

yes
he said
what did
she bring you?

box of wine gums
he replied
don't tell the nuns
she said

or they'll share them
with the rest of the kids
what if they ask?
he said

say nothing
was given you
but that's lying
he said

she looked at him
standing there
by the avenue of trees
she propped up

by her crutches
the one leg tiring
the stump just visible
from below

her red skirt
truth is elastic
she said
it can be stretched

but it's still lying
he said looking back
at the the nursing home
a few kids at play

on the slide and swings
ends and means
she said
he looked at her

non-plus
depends to what end
truth aims
she said

he had the box
of wine gums
under his jacket
how many

do you think
you'll get
if the penguins
share the box

with the kids?
he looked back at her
her stare uneased him
don't know

he said
a handful Kid
just that
he looked at her

swaying
where she stood
shall I get
your wheelchair?

he asked
if you want
but give me
the wine gums first

she said
he hesitated
for safe keeping
she said

he handed her the box
and walked back
to the nursing home
walked by the kids

on swings and slide
she tucked the box
under her skirt
and sat

in a white chair
by a small
round table
the box hide safe  

when he came back
pushing the wheelchair
he looked at her
sitting there

her eyes staring
a red ribbon
in her dark
straight hair

his box
of wine gums
hidden somewhere
out of sight

don't worry Kid
she said
you'll get them
back tonight.