and she lolloped, unselected,

to the back of the other team.

At eleven we went to different schools.

In time I learned to get my own back,

sneering at hockey-players who couldn’t spell.

Tich died when she was twelve.

At 3 a.m.

the room contains no sound

except the ticking of the clock

which has begun to panic

like an insect, trapped

in an enormous box.

Books lie open on the carpet.

Somewhere else

you’re sleeping

and beside you there’s a woman

who is crying quietly

so you won’t wake.

From June to December

1 Prelude

It wouldn’t be a good idea

To let him stay.

When they knew each other better –

Not today.

But she put on her new black knickers

Anyway.

2 A Serious Person

It’s nice to meet serious people

And hear them explain their views:

Your concern for the rights of women

Is especially welcome news.

I’m sure you’d never exploit one;

I expect you’d rather be dead;

I’m thoroughly convinced of it –

Now can we go to bed?

3 Summer Villanelle

You know exactly what to do –

Your kiss, your fingers on my thigh –

I think of little else but you.

It’s bliss to have a lover who,

Touching one shoulder, makes me sigh –

You know exactly what to do.

You make me happy through and through,

The way the sun lights up the sky –

I think of little else but you.

I hardly sleep – an hour or two;

I can’t eat much and this is why –

You know exactly what to do.

The movie in my mind is blue –

As June runs into warm July

I think of little else but you.

But is it love? And is it true?

Who cares? This much I can’t deny:

You know exactly what to do;

I think of little else but you.

4 The Reading

In crumpled, bardic corduroy,

The poet took the stage

And read aloud his deathless verse,

Page by deathless page.

I gazed at him as though intent

On every word he said.

From time to time I’d close my eyes

And smile and nod my head.

He may have thought his every phrase

Sent shivers down my spine.

Perhaps I helped encourage him

To read till half past nine.

Don’t ask what it was all about –

I haven’t got a clue.

I spent a blissful evening, lost

In carnal thoughts of you.

5 Some People

Some people like sex more than others –

You seem to like it a lot.

There’s nothing wrong with being innocent or high-minded

But I’m glad you’re not.

6 Going Too Far

Cuddling the new telephone directory

After I found your name in it

Was going too far.

It’s a safe bet you’re not hugging a phone book,

Wherever you are.

7 Verse for a Birthday Card

Many happy returns and good luck.

When it comes to a present, I’m stuck.

If you weren’t far away

On your own special day,