Dilworth

The fountain pen was missing

from his brother’s effects

and a little money,

but he took his ring

and the oil skin coat and had

‘something personal to fight for now.’

He’d only joined so they would

face the Turk together

but Tom caught scarlet fever

in Cairo and was gone

forever, and yes

the padre said

dulce et decorum est,

even though he hadn’t fallen

in battle (he reported to his parents)

adding that if ever he got

into action, poor old Tom’s death

would make his eye clearer

and his aim surer –

Someone shall suffer!

Dilworth didn’t suffer,

the officer wrote the following month.

John H Davies

4th January 2011