CAMERA OF MY EYE

A BOY AND GIRL IN 1967.

She's outside
the nurse said
getting
some sunshine

doctor's orders
so I went out
through the double doors
into the grassy area

outside the ward
Julie was sitting
in a chair
smoking

in a dressing gown
her hair pulled tight
in ponytail
getting some sunshine

I said
yes
got to be
a good girl

she said
get some sun
to my skin
I sat in a chair

beside her
took out
a cigarette
and lit up

how's it going?
I asked
cold and fed up
and wanting a fix

she said
but all I get
is a cigarette
and all this

get some sun
and fresh air stuff
she crossed her legs
her feet were naked

she'd painted
her nails red
I brought you
some cigarettes

and chocolate
I said
and laid them
on the small

white table
by her legs
thanks
she said

wish we could meet
at that cheap
hotel again
I fancy some sex

she inhaled deeply
and looked back
at the doors
of the ward

maybe next month
if they let you out
I said
they say I can't

go out
until I’ve kicked
the fix habit
she said

turning round
and gazing at me
hope they've fixed
the taps this time

she said
confused me
to turn on
the cold tap

to get hot
I smiled
she uncrossed her legs
and I saw

a glimpse of thigh
which hung and stayed
in the camera
of my eye.