Otherness.
When walks became hedged in with discovered feelings
ready talk slowed to a stop.
The colour of friendship deepened as whispers of trying
otherness made young cheeks blush.
Love-covered Sundays stalked by-ways to find covert
places for touch had changed.
Jars of caught minnows faced new neglect when damp
hands held for long moments.
First love took its course and struggle ignored when
when kisses turned floor-ward.
Clothes rumpled in tumble from childhood to growing
desire in beds of soft heather.
Savoured was pleasure in fingered expressions while
sated with things shyly learned.
Those were the days in village life when naivety gained
otherness by experimentation.