Panic Over 1962

The sun spread itself 

over the pond lazily. 

A few ducks swam 

across the water's skin 

effortlessly. 

Juliet lay beside me 

gazing up at the trees 

above us, with sprinkling 

of sunlight through 

the high branches. 

Can’t be here long 

or my mum will wonder 

where I’ve got to, 

Juliet said, 

but all is well; 

I came on this morning; 

so the alarm is over. 

I nodded 

and felt relief. 

The last time we lay there 

she said she was late 

and such and it looked 

dark and untidy. 

Not that I told 

Mum of course, 

and she didn’t guess 

I was late,

 and so we 

can breathe again. 

She turned over 

and kissed my cheek. 

Must be careful next time, 

Juliet said. 

We turned 

and faced each other 

and kissed lips on lips. 

One of the ducks 

dipped its head 

under the water 

and came up again. 

Sunlight flickered 

above us. 

We lay there 

gazing at each other. 

I had nightmares over that, 

Juliet said, 

trying to explain 

to my mother.