Finished! So has she, br With ages left to go: br We sweep our desks, and chase each other br br Out from ink and white br Into soft grey afternoon. br She asks me back for tea: br br This stolen hour, our prize. br I look around, my mind br Still minutes, seconds quick: br br Scruffy furniture, br And crib-sheets everywhere. br I turn my gaze on her: br br The glasses, lips too full, br That centre-parted hair. br She smiles at me a smile br br Down at heel and sweet, br Modestly disowning br A claim to be beautiful. br br But now she smiles, she is, br This hour we steal from Time: br I see it, just this once, br br The world come down to tea, br A girl, and no exam. br A picture, brief as light.