Remembering Mr Emmanuel ...

I looked up from the running machine - 

Outside, the Head of PE was herding boys onto the windswept field - 

His bull neck and shaven head reminded me of Mr Emmanuel - 

I'd hated PE lessons - 

Even now, I shuddered at the thought of those cross country runs, the cold mud of the goalmouth, the horror of the communal showers - 

I recalled lining up to vault the horse, Mr Emmanuel urging us to jump jump jump - 

Bigger boys had swung like apes from the ropes -  

At thirteen, to me they looked like men - 

Once I was slippered for repeatedly forgetting my kit -  

You again Bradey Mr Emmanuel had said - 

10.30

Friday 17 November 2017

Purbeck Sports Centre

Wareham 

Dorset