And I Danced

All packed up and ready to flee,

I left my unloved room for the last time,

walked across the hall and down

the stairs, then paused outside the opened

study door of that half-wit monk.

An argument is in full swing.

(How perfect! Does it ever stop?)

A red-faced peer is remonstrating

with Fr. Half-wit, but he stops

and turns his head as I appear.

‘I’m leaving now!’ I almost sing,

‘And never shall return! Farewell!

Adieu! And toodle-pip to all!’

My red-faced former comrade smiles;

replies in kind; the argument resumes.

I had no words left for that place,

and so I danced. I danced across

the gravel. I danced down the drive.

I danced towards the waiting coach.

I danced away from all those things.