Penny Dopson
Gate Crashers
The rumour was you were out,
somewhere near the Royal Oak they said;
early evening, lush with fresh grass and field scent,
hawthorn studded white with gems of May.
At Hitch Woods’ skirt no sign,
just the first flushings of beech, a dappled canopy,
silk dapper trunks rising grey,
no sound except our tread, leaf cushioned
on earthy paths, on twig; the bark of pheasant
in the distance, sharp gunshot, whirr of wings.
Then there you were at our feet, as far as
eyes could see, the first debutantes of summer,
your perfume almost overwhelming, a blue blush
partying up into the woods’ dark edges
and all we could do in this throng was dance
close as close, kissing, a lovers’ kiss of belonging.
Until suddenly above, a jet plane’s roar
stopped our mouths with the noisy slipstream
of all the world, breaking in,
our cover completely blown.
Page(s) 33
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