Colin F. Jones
~ Spondon Bells ~
THE PUNISHMENT LINE
A cold draft along the corridor,
The echoes of a squeaking door:
Dim light through the French-window glass,
Shadows spreading over the lights trespass.
Time passes and fears tentacles spread,
Beginning with bad thoughts inside my head,
My legs are shaking in my plight
The door opens with a flash of light,
Come in!! A gruff voice confirms despair.
Inside I go and standing there,
I hold my hand out for the harm,
The cane doth rent across my palm
But alas the waiting, it is done!
The awful fear has now all gone.
©Copyright March 6, 2005 by Colin F. Jones
Author’s Note: The punishment line at Springfield School, Spondon, England was something like as described. It was always dark and gloomy outside the Headmasters door where we waited backs to the wall in the corridor. The longer we waited the greater the fear, and our Headmaster, Mr Cockersole, was a nasty little individual, as far as we kids were concerned, and served up six of the best, with his bamboo cane. It was always, a painful relief though once the waiting was over. Fear was a useful tool for the headmasters and teachers in those days. – Col: March 8, 2005
This poem prompted the story “Lie… Ah” ©Copyright March 8, 2005 by Robin Amy Bass