GINA McKEE

GINA McKEE

We’re strolling our way home

From a book-signing night

After bantering with Alexei

I’m feeling quite bright

Sauntering across city squares

Hurrying for a late train

Precious books clutched so tightly

Hoping it doesn’t rain

A woman waits at the kerbside

As we’re passing by

She turns her head at our footfalls

And she catches my eye

I know her from somewhere

I swiftly declare

I’m pretty sure I once met her

But I’m just not sure where

I make a move towards her

She shudders visibly

Looking along the street now

For that hoped-for taxi

I’m certain we were acquainted

In my Levenshulme years

I think we probably chatted

If I’d had a few beers

On the subject of my past life

I can be such a bore

My Beloved looks more closely

She’s heard it all before

I think I met her at a party

I pronounce emphatically

Carry on walking, love -

That’s Gina McKee

MAWH, May 2018 (although this happened several years ago now)