Category: Before the Rain

Auburn hair, not counterfeited from a bottle
natural creases of cascading ringlets
sparkling eyes, rescued waif smile
tight, short, shorts. Gypsy charm
and the perfume of availability. Perhaps.

Platters of small talk, individually presented
polished first lines, well timed extenders
generosity with conversation game time
and listening. Always willing to listen – talk.

The shine of gold and first love innocence
appeal to vicarious participation in her happiness.
Only here for the summer
work experience
study was finished.
“This was a lovely place – everybody so nice
she would love to stay
would be the happiest girl in the world if she could. If only she could.”

A diamond can cut in places
where steel is impotent
the glint of an idea.

Belonging and not belonging
being part of a team. And not –
a wrong side of town scholarship
most times included – sometimes not.
Equal and separate
different and alike.
Perhaps in the new year
baptism into permanent staff
will wash “might not” from my being.

Courage
comes like waves
catching a big one,
I ask Bryan.
Oh – that reminds him
he’s been meaning to show me –
a letter …
signed by the Associate Director “ of something.” – no 4 apparently
“God knows what they all do up there.”
It is a response.

The Associate Director “ of whatever it is he does” – no 4
thinks the best thing,
would be to transfer me to permanent staff –
1 March next year, when probation ends.
Christmas is four weeks away,
four weeks after Christmas,annual holidays are over,
four weeks after, four weeks after Christmas –
I should get my present –
memo to self be extra careful. Don’t do anything dumb.

The other side :
For seven years I had a been vacation worker –
the pupil, post exams,
the school leaver,
the university student
coming for summer – the young ‘un.
The one sent for long stands,
left-handed screwdrivers,
the free beer.

Usually there were four –
student vacation workers – would be called interns now, 
only two this year – budgets etc. etc.
But rumour was truth – both were women ….
single – male – good prospects –
I might get lucky!

One to start immediately
The other a week later – visiting her family or something.

Pam,
broad shouldered and wide cheeked,
not short, but bulk made her seem so.
Dry white-wall face,rag washed by acne scar –
22 year old male rating 5/10. Just –
my face easy to read,
a married colleague smirks,
“the next one might be better”

Angie,
slim, red head,
short, very short, shorts
pixie like and foxy
Single? PLEASE.