We played in the street when we were kids,

gathering around 'our' lampost like it was a totem,

making music with dustbin lids.

 

Well!

 that was 'til the 'rude-boys' came

in their metal-shod brown boots,

they played a different game

swamping the air with harsh laugter.

 

And the fighting?

 

Well!

that came soon after.

 

We stood back from the circle of light,

still as midnight stones,

deliciously shivering with fright

 

'til we saw the Teddy-Girls approaching,

shocking us with their makeup

and their common public smoking.

 

                                                            That's when we went home.

 

I would like to add, rough and ready as we all were, there was no drinking - no weapons and no swearing and the younger ones felt safe - - -- - until - - - - -