She reads the shame on my face
Recognises a generation marked
By the pushing of large, scarce,
Copper pennies across
The high counter grain.
She leans forward and,
In a hushed voice, says,
"Did you see your picture
In the Kilmarnock Standard?"
Against all sense, against sixty years
Of maturity, the nine-year-old stands up
To face the consequences of rules
He had no say in the making, or breaking, of.
She laughs. Kindly, but still louder than she ought.
"We don't do late fees at the library any more.
You're okay."
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