'three old photos'
Three hundred about but difficult to count
A rough grass slope in front, a pub I know
Behind. They are packed deep
Five or six so tight I can't see what
They stand on in the road
Perhaps on nothing at the Castle Inn
Though in this snap no sign hangs
Above the door to show
Children for the most part
Meanly dressed
Perhaps two dozen mothers
About as many others men in
Jackets shirtsleeves none without a hat
(Hats like dustbin lids) and thumbed and
Crumpled corners on this sepia card. That
Dates it more or less
Now as to what-
I do not see a smile or
Face I know. Each child (none are in rags although
So meanly dressed) is clutching bowl
Or basin, jug perhaps a spoon
A tree beyond the pub is leafless so
This is a needful winter long ago
There are of course no flags