JUST ABOVE HER HEAD.

[dadio]

Mr Haymaker's room
was on the first floor
up on left side
where it was quiet

except for the occasional wander
by one of the old guys
on his way to the bog
Sonia lay there

on Mr Haymaker's bed
as if it were her own
her blue uniform
pulled up

her pubic hairs
blonde and cute
Benedict sat in the chair
opposite the bed

by the chest of drawers
putting on his shoes
you can't just lie there
like that

what if Mr Haymaker
comes up?
he won't
she said

he never comes up here
until bed time
he told me
he say

I don't return to my room
until bed
I like sitting
in the lounge downstairs

with the others
especially the ladies
she had a Polish accent
which made her talk

clipped and stiff
but others may come here
Benedict said
no one comes here

she said
I'm the domestic cleaner
on this wing
no one comes

he tied the left shoelace
and then sat there
gazing at her
you best get yourself dressed

he said
I am dressed
she said
well pull down

your clothes
and put your underwear
back on just in case
he said anxiously

she smiled
in case of what?
she said
in case I tempt you again?

no in case Matron
comes up here
in one of her
on the spur

of the minute decisions
to wander around
he said
what will she say?

naughty boy and girl?
she laughed
then sat on the edge
of the single bed

and put on her underwear
and pulled down
her clothing
there

she said
is that better for you?
he nodded
and stood up

and went to the window
and looked out
the blue sky
and white clouds

seemed warming
the sun touched his face
we should have
drawn the curtains

she said
someone might
have seen us
she said it mockingly

can't have that
can we
she added
he looked at the other

part of the building
no one can see
from over there
he said

shame
she said
it might have been
entertaining

best go
he said
they might be looking for me
to get baths done

for Mr Grigg or Mr Elcombe
he walked to the door
but she blocked his way
so suddenly you leave me

she looked into his eyes
was it not good?
yes unexpected
but good

he said
but I must go
she pushed her back
against the door

I feel used
she said in lost girl tones
her blue eyes searching him
it was risky

he said
what if we were seen?
she laughed
always worrying

what others think or say
she said
two of my uncles
and an aunt

died in Auschwitz
my parents got out
just in time
or I wouldn't be here now

and you wouldn't
have a had a good fuck
she said
people's words

or what they think
is unimportant
in the long run of things
he looked at her

I must go
sorry about your uncles
and aunt
but if Matron

sees me here with you
she'll put one
and two together
and get three

she smiled
she can count well
she said
he sighed

look I must go
she kissed his cheek
ok if you must
but there is always

another day
she moved away
from the door
and he slipped out

into the corridor
she watched him go
until he was out of sight
then went back

into the room
and straightened
Mr Haymaker's bed up
and brushed off

the duvet
she looked at the ceiling
where a spider
was making a web

she'd been watching it
from the bed
while making love
it disinterested

carried on
just above her head.