BY THE POND 1962.

A BOY AND GIRL BY A POND IN SUSSEX IN 1962

I lie on my back
on the grass
my hands behind
my head

Yehudit is standing
by the lake
-her term
for the pond-
looking over
the water's skin
at the ducks
and dragonflies
skimming the water
and flying off and up

I watch her
standing there
the sun shining down
through the branches
of trees overhead
bird song

I like it here
she says
so peaceful

I take in
her white
and blue flowery dress
the bare legs
the sandalled feet
her hands
behind her back
her hair tied
at the back
by a blue ribbon

do you
like it here?
she asks

yes I like it
in fact I like it
most places

she turns
and looks at me
I mean the scenery
she says smiling

I look at her eyes
the blueness
the flush of cheeks
the smile

how often
do you think
of sex Benny?
she says

pretty much
most of the time
I reply
with a twinkle
in my eye

thought so
she says
shaking her head
and turning away
to gaze at the scene
once more

she thinking
who knows what
but I thinking
of the kissing
and heavy petting
of 10 minutes
before.