GIRLS I KISSED AT CAMM'S SCHOOL (A KISS AND TELL)

for JB

Kathryn Walker was my first in nursery
and again in reception, and once
in year three under a table on maths
rotation and three times in Lincoln.

I kissed Joanne Bainbridge at the same
time my sister and Andrew Bainbridge
were marrying each other via
a shoebox of plastic rings and letters.

Jessica Baines, Gemma Dodd, were both
girls I tongued under the weeping
willow in year five and Jessica Baines
invited me to her 10th birthday party.

Finally, Jenny, I think, at least once,
and Katrina Cooper and Rebecca Wright
and Sarah Bailey twice.

AUTOMATIC LOCK IN

for JB

Ten. You are trying to figure out if
you can spell the word crystal with nine
interchangeable tiles without stepping
on the floor. Eight bells need to be rung
to release the crystal. Can you see it?
Can you get it? No! Seven bolts need to be
shot through a portcullis at six moving shields.
Come out! Five strangers are shouting
through sackcloth flaps. Cut the green
wire and get out. Come out! Only four
lives are allowed. Do not drive the car
into the mines or electric fences. Three
crystals and Jonti, a com systems
administrator from Dulwich, is sat in a cell
in Industrial Zone. Time to move on.
Follow me: To the Crystal Dome! 
Two silver. Whistle. Come out. One gold.