A parable from the 1960s
 
So we’re asked for a Christmas entertainment
for the rest of the school, and we think, Mickey, 
Mickey Mouse. 
 
Mickey and Minnie are easy to cast. But Donald?
Donald Duck? Hector, the loudest in the class.
And Goofy? Hey, somebody thought, try Rupert,
shy Rupert. He’s tall and dark and, how do we put it? 
.. gormless-looking.
 
And on the night they laugh and laugh and laugh.
And it’s not mockery, it’s not derision, it’s the laughter
of joy and affection. Rupert is out there, up there,
basking in love and laughter.
 
Next week he asks Miranda out, Miranda
the loveliest of them all. Coach trip to Swansea.
That purse, Miranda? Yes, of course. The scarf?
It’s expensive, Rupert. Nah, go on.
 
(This is ‘A’ grade student Rupert, remember.
Next year his tutor gives a Beta Double Plus
to his essay on Spinoza’s Ethics.) 
 
And then they’re home, he gets his goodnight kiss
and, as kisses go, it’s a corker.
He’s back, skint to his last copper ha’penny, 
but boy, he’s tingling from that kiss.