relics of war

Relics of War

Pen-Pushers, Office Wallahs
Malaya, Suez, Aden
The Glass-House
Christ, I’m glad I missed
National Service.

My grandfather gave me
His Sam Brown
And his Cricket Caps from
Winchester & his white
Collar worn for Schools,
Candidus (White, he explained
In Latin), hence Candidate.
While my father’s khaki uniform
Hung unregarded in
The cupboard in the
Sitting-room.


Christopher Baily
17 January 2002

© Estate of Christopher Baily