To John from Anne,
Remembrances after seven years of madness….
Osaka, 1946
Swift flash of willow,
Streaking red scorches lush green –
Echoes of promise.Unwavering oak,
To O’Riley’s sorcery –
Sunny ’thirty eight.
Glance or smile sweeps me,
Offering arm or on-drives –
Charm wins over force.
Hand that wields the bat,
On my cheek becomes caress –
Sweet young brimful amor.
Dreams of runs and tests,
Of Wedding bells in time near –
Bugles blare in space..
Almost in first side,
Among eleven best men –
British rank and file.
Skilful in defence,
To balls yes, but not bullets –
Young love sinks in blood.
