THE BIG COW
Outside the door
of the butler Dudman
Polly sticks up
two fingers at him
and mouths a string
of four-letter words
she strides off
towards the kitchen
where Mrs Gripe
(the cook)
is waiting for her
Polly's thoughts
are on George(master)
and what Dudman said
about her not
having sex with him
when he comes home
from the place
he is resting
with shell-shock
from the War
or you will be fired
she hears Dudman's voice
in her ears
as she climbs down
the stairs and along
the passage way
she passes Susie
near the kitchen
entering the scullery
where have you been?
Susie says eyeing her
never you mind
Polly says
and enters the kitchen
where Gripe stands
hands on her hips
and gazing at her
where you been?
Been waiting for you
Gripe says coldly
Polly bites her tongue
and goes to the sink
and begins
to peel the potatoes
cat got your tongue?
I said where have you been?
Gripe says
Mr Dudman wanted
to see me about something
but I am here now
Polly says
Gripe stares at her
what about?
Gripe says
ask him
Polly says
peeling the potatoes
with viciousness
I am asking you
Gripe says
and I expect respect
not rudeness girl
Polly gouges out
a potatoes eye
and turns towards Gripe
about something I do
and mustn't do in future
and I am sorry
for being rude
Polly says
Gripe stares at her
and Polly stares back
about you
and Master George?
Gripe says
Polly reddens
and looks away
and nods
be discreet and careful
if Master George
wants you
Gripe says quietly
and turns away
and puts a big saucepan
on the stove
silence comes
and Polly peels on
and wonders what
George is doing now
and maybe
she thinks
Gripe isn't always
the big cow.
