ENGINEER

She got an old Volksvagen

and at weekends

we'd drive to the country,

stop in some small market town

for fish and chips

or tea in a corner cafe.

We were young

so not thinking constantly

about corruption,

injustice or conspiracies.

 

Another time was passion

in a broom cupboard

at the university

until someone opened the door.

She had a serious side

as well, of course:

studying to be an engineer

and aiming for control over men

 

but we were young

with time for mountain walks

and madness.

I sometimes wonder

what eventually transpired,

if she had any kids

and how many

bridges she designed.

 

Rat's Ass Review, summer 2020, Editor Roderick Bates