IRISH GIRLS' SECRET 1963.

The house was quiet

Magdalene's parents were out
her da was away on the farm
and her ma was out
visiting a friend.

Mary was lying

beside Magdalene
on her single bed.

Chucker yer want ter?

Magdalene said.

'av we time?
Mary replied.

T'be sure we 'av

Magdalene said.

She kissed Mary's lips

quietly she moved back
on her side
and gazed at the girl.

Yer can pogue better

than de Kelly fella
Mary said smiling.

They lay gazing at each other

shall we undress?
Magdalene said softly.

Waaat if yisser pair cum

and fend us?
Mary said.

They'll belt yiss er arse

Magdalene said jokingly
cum on.

Mary listened out for sounds

birds sang from the garden
a cow mooed
from a nearby field.

Dead on yisser
noggin be it
Mary said.

They got off the bed

and began to undress
each watching the other
remove clothing.

They piled their clothes neatly

on the dressing table
and climbed into bed.

Yisser ands are cowl

Mary said
as Magdalene touched her thighs.

Let me warm dem

Magdalene whispered.

They kissed and hugged

then after 5 minutes
there was a knock
on the front door.

Who de feck is dat?

Magdalene said
getting out of the bed
and looking out
the window
at the front door below.

Who it is?
Mary asked sitting up
holding the sheet up
to her small breasts.

De fecking postman
Magdalene said.

She grabbed her

dressing gown
and went downstairs.
Mary got out of bed
and stood gazing out
the window.

The postman said something

and the door closed.

Magdalene came back

up the stairs
parcel for me ma
best git dressed in case
me ma cums back sooner
Magdalene said
disappointedly.

So they got dressed

and went down stairs
and went in the kitchen
and made tea
and sat at the table.

A few minutes later

her ma came in.

Ye are back early

Magdalene said.

Me mucker
didn't show up
her ma said
waaat ye two birds
been up ter?

Nathin jist 'avin tay

and chin-wag
Magdalene said
keeping images
of her and Mary
naked in bed
locked up
in her head