BOMBED OUT LAND 1956

KIDS ON A BOMB SITE IN LONDON IN 1956

I am with Janice
on a bomb site
off Harper Road,
climbing along
a narrow flooring
like two wire walkers,
hands outstretched,
balancing with
childlike skill.

Benny is it
safe to walk?
she says.

No,
but if you're careful
you won't fall,
I say,
moving slightly
more to one way.

There's the smell
of damp wood
and bricks
and urine
around us.

We reach the other side
of the bombed out room
and stand looking back
the way we'd come.

Rozzers,
a voice of a fellow kid
calls out,
he clambers off
and away.

Janice and I
climb down and out
and see the rozzer
standing with hands
on hips and helmet
pushed back
on his head.

Bomb sites
are out of bounds,
he says,
stern faced,
eyes staring.

Didn't know,
I say.

Janice large eyed
and fearful,
says nothing.

Well it is
out of bounds,
what's your names?
the rozzer says.

The other kid says,
Michael Mouse,
another says,
Daniel Dare,
and say,
I don't remember.

The rozzer slaps
my face and says,
what's your name?

Janice is tearful
and clutches her hands,
thinking if her gran
found out
her arse'd
be slapped.

Benny Beanpole,
I say,
trying to keep
a straight face,
cheek stinging,
eyes glaring.

The rozzer doesn't ask
Janice her name,
he stares at me
and the other kids
and says,
get off and sling
your hook.

We look at each other  
and saunter off.

Janice grips my hand
as we walk off
the bombed out land.