WITH THE HUMP 1959.A Poem by Terry CollettA NURSING NUN AND A 11 YEAR OLD GIRL IN A NURSING HOME IN 1959Anne wheeled herself out of the nursing home, and out onto the lawn, almost knocking Cam (a young boy) over in her path, she was followed by Sister Paul in flight, her black habit flapping as she walked. Anne stopped wheeling at a white table, and turned to face the nun. The nun approached out of breath, you must let the doctor see your leg, the nun said. Not if the Kid isn't there, Anne said. The doctor doesn't think it ethical, the nun said. No Kid, no looking at my amputated leg stump, so it's up him, Anne said. He needs to see how it is healing, the nun said, standing over Anne, hands inside her black and white habit, and you ought not have shown your leg to Benedict, it isn't ethical to do so. He was interested, so I showed him, Anne said, and he helped me get in the bath and out, and he's my best friend, and bugger ethical. Sister Paul winced at the lewd word, and tried to push it away from her mind. He's a 10 year old boy, the nun said. I'm a11 year old girl, so what? Anne said. The nun closed her eyes momentarily. Anne looked past the nun towards the nursing home, and hoped Benny would come out, and see what was going on. The doctor will not allow Benedict to be there; he said it would not be ethical, the nun said slowly. No Benny, no gawking at my stump then, Anne said firmly, what, you going to get the sisters to hold me down while that medical clown touches my amputated leg? The nun gazed at her, and sighed, why do you need Benedict there? Because he's my friend, and I feel safer if he is there, Anne said, anyway he'll only be seeing my leg stump, nothing between my legs, Anne said, eyeing the nun for her response. Anne that is being crude and rude, Sister Paul said. Anne turned around, and gazed down towards the avenue of trees at the end of the garden. No Kid, no quack seeing my stump. The nun walked away, visibly with the hump. © 2016 Terry Collett |
StatsAuthorTerry CollettUnited KingdomAboutTerry Collett has been writing since 1971 and published on and off since 1972. He has written poems, plays, and short stories. He is married with eight children and eight grandchildren. on January 27t.. more..Writing
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