NIMA AND NOTHING 1967

A BOY AND GIRL IN LONDON IN 1967

I bought a Jazz LP
in Dobell's in
Charing Cross Road
then made my way

back to see Nima
in Leicester Square
she was sitting on
one of the benches there

in the small park area
smoking and gazing
at passing people
I sat beside her

and she said
where have you been?
Dobell's Jazz record shop
I said

what did you buy?
John Coltrane album
who's he?
saxophonist modern guy

I showed her the cover
she took it
and stared at it
any good?

I think so
he died
the other month
I said

heart I think
gave out
I'm not keen on jazz
she said

prefer rock
like the Beatles or Stones
how are you keeping?
I asked

so so
she sighed
had to be good girl
or they wouldn't

have let me out
of the hospital
she said
you still off the drugs?

she stared past me
at the passing crowds
guess so so far
I'm on medication

which helps but
it isn't that good
it doesn't have the kick
do your parents see you?

not if they can help it
they ring in first
to see how I am
if I'm being a sod

they don't come
she said
forget them
let's go for a drink

ok
I said
so we walked through
the Square and found a bar

and took a seat
and I ordered two drinks
and we sat there
looking out at the people

outside passing by
where does it all end?
she said
what?

life and love
and careers and laws
and wars and love
and babies?

she said
it goes on
long after
we have gone

I said
is it worth it?
all this circus?
what's the endgame?

she said
each have their own
I said
she sighed

when I shoot up
or booze or have
a steamy shag
life seems ok

but then nothing
creeps in
and a big hole appears
and she was silent

and we sat
and drank our beers.