FAR OFF REVOLUTIONS 1952

A CHILD AND HIS AUNTIE IN 1952 ENGLAND AND MANNERS AND LOVE.

Always wash
your hands
before meals

Auntie said
and do not speak
with your mouth full

and stand
when a lady
enters the room

and be silent
when adult's speak
and I listened

and washed
my hands
in the small

white sink
and ate the breakfast
in a silent gaze

and stood
when Auntie came
in the room

and she said
not me Benny
you needn't

stand for me
I'm just your auntie
and no lady

but she was to me
but I never
said so not

with my mouth full
and my hands
still damp

from my short ablutions
and I scant knew
of the world's way

or far off revolutions.