Quinn's Photo 1962 Poem by Terry Collett

Quinn brought
a photo of him
and his twin sister
to school.

He said it was taken
the summer before
while staying with
an aunt and uncle
by the sea.

His sister
was better
looking than him
slim not plump
and her hair
was straight
and blonde.

I thought it
a shame
she was going
to be a nun
at 21.

She looks cute
your sister
I said.

Guess God
wants her
to be a bride of Christ
he said.

What will she do
as a nun?
I said.

Pray and contemplate
and be virginal
he said.

Sounded boring
I couldn't see her
as boring or praying
and contemplating
all day.

Is she sure
she wants
to be a nun?
I said.

Yes since
she was 6
she has wanted
to be one
he replied.

He tucked the photo
in his jacket pocket
as the teacher for Maths
came along
the passageway.

Other kids
were standing
yaking.

Quiet please
he said.

Silence
came upon us.

We followed
the teacher into class
and sat at our desks
and got out
our books.

I tried
to bring to mind
Quinn's sister
and her good looks.