More Cool 1965 Poem by Terry Collett

It was late afternoon
and Tilly had this bright idea
that we should go
to her uncle's place

(it wasn't far a away)
and stay a few days
(he was away
for a week in France)

she told her mother
she was staying with friends
and had time off work
so we went and stay there

and it was odd being some place
and having to do things
for ourselves
like cook

and tidy up after ourselves
and actually be
in each other's company
with no other distractions

and after the first meal
which we both cooked
(after a style)
and washed up and dried

and put things away
and put on the old
black and white TV
and sat watching it

on this old battered sofa together
after a few hours she said
I'm taking a bath
and getting ready for bed

ok
I said
where I am I sleeping?
she frowned

with me of course
didn't think I'd bring you
out here and sleep
on my own did you?

O right I see
I said
now come share my bath
and let's start this up

I turned off the TV
and followed up
the creaky stairs
and along a carpeted landing

to a bathroom which
had seen better days
and a large old bath
she got towels out

of a small airing cupboard
and put them
behind the door
and began to undress

are you going to stand there
as a spectator or a participant?
she said
I began to undress

it seemed odd
in someone else's house
as if it was more
naughtier than usual

like that time
she came to my place
when all were out
at work and school

but this seemed different
maybe more cool.