AROUND HIS HEAD 1962

A BOY STAYS AT HIS GIRL FRIEND'S HOUSE WITH HER PARENT'S PERMISSION IN 1962

Benedict was shown
to his room
by Yochana's dad,
and he left him there
with a polite goodnight.

Downstairs
he heard voices murmuring;
the TV now off.

Yochana's mother
speaking loud
like a foghorn
in a mist.

He lay on the bed
after undressing
in his nightwear.

The voices got nearer.

He pretended to be asleep.

And I want no hanky-panky  
while he is here,
the mother said.

I wouldn't anyway,
Yochana said,
nor would Benedict,
he's not like that.

I am just saying,
the mother said.

The father said nothing,
but went to the bathroom,
and closed the door.

Now off to bed with you,
and mind what I said,
the mother said.

Doors closed,
and silence came.

Benedict watched
the light under the door,
and thought of Yochana
just a few feet away
probably undressing.

He there
in another bed
with thoughts of her
flowing
around his head.