RAIN IN THE AIR 1956

A BOY AND GIRL IN LONDON IN 1956

Our canary died
Janice said
as she and Benny
walked along
Bath Terrace.

How did it die?
Benny said.

I don't know
Janice said
Gran found it
at the bottom
of its cage
this morning.

What did you do
with it?
Benny asked.

Gran put it
in a paper bag
and dropped it
in the refuse chute
of the flats
Janice said.

Shame
Benny said
I used to like
talking to your bird.

I know you did
but you taught it
to say bad words
Janice said.

They came to the junction
of Rockingham Street
and walked by
the coal wharf
on their left.

Will you get
another bird?
Benny asked.

Don't know
depends on what
Gran wants to do
or whether she'll
just sell the cage
Janice said.

They walked along
the narrow road
behind the cinema
and Benny stopped
by the bomb site
and picked up
small stones
for his catapult
and put them
in the pocket
of his blue jeans.

Doesn't your mother
mind you having a catapult?
Janice said.

No as long
as I am careful
with it
Benny said
I only hit tin cans
with it not birds
or windows.

Can I have a go
some day only don't
tell Gran she
doesn't approve
Janice said.

I won't
Benny said.

They walked on
into the New Kent Road
and on to Bedlam Park
to go to the war
museum there.

The sky
was a dull grey
and the smell of rain
in the air.