OUTSHINING THE SUN.

TWO BOYS AND A GIRL IN 1960

Bob West said
why are you always

looking towards
the girl’s playground?

Looking for someone
you replied

who? Bob asked  
A girl who gets

on my school bus
Bob pulled a face

and combed
his black oily hair

is she good looking?
Like an angel

you said
and peered

at the playground
across the way

where girls were
skipping or walking

in pairs
See her yet?

Bob asked
no not yet

you muttered
wishing you had

hoping she'd come
into view

don’t see any point in girls
Bob said

putting his comb away
in a top pocket

wiping his hands
on his grey trousers

my dad said
they’re only after two things

money and babies
steer away from them Bob

he said
you watched

as girls moved
about the playground

each dressed in grey skirts
and green tops

haven’t you ever
been moved by a girl?

You asked
moved? Bob said

moved?
Ain’t no girl

going to move me
he muttered

spit hanging
on his lower lip

like a suicidal
waiting to jump

what’s this angel girl got
that’s so special?

He said taking out
a handkerchief

and wiping his brow
I don’t know

you replied
and as you said it

you saw her
come in to view

outshining the sun
more beautiful

than summer
and staring at you.