NaPM April 23, 2019

[billy]

The First time:

I saw you in a car engine with an oily rag
hanging out of your arse pocket.
You looked like that girl with the red bandanna
in the war effort posters of old.
Grease smeared over your face, a blond curl
hanging from an oily brow.
Dungaree sleeves rolled up like two denim sausages
round a slender bicep.

I'd only parked up to get some pork
pies from Stan the butcher
It wasn't even my car; it was my first lie
the only one i ever told you.
Dry-washing your hands in a blackened white towel
You walked toward me and asked

"What's the problem?"

your voice was like soft caramel dripping off a spoon;
rich and soft, at first i stuttered, fighting
my lack of composure.

"It's fucked."

Throwing the cloth away she came nearer,
eye's scathing.

"Do you speak to your mother with that potty mouth?"

My mind was played the church organ while
i swung a hula hoop round my tongue.

"The fuck i do."

I thought she was going to get out
some favor beans and a nice chianti;
she laughed like I'd said something funny.

She's been fixing my brother's car ever since
and me...

I live with her at the garage.