WITH SHELL-SHOCK 1916

A MAID AND HER THOUGHTS OF HER LOVER AND MASTER IN 1916

George's room
is quiet
the bed made

furniture
all polished
the window

opened up
for fresh air
and the maid

Polly sits
on the bed
pretending

that he's there
in the bed
not off some

other where
getting well
from shell-shock

(she hoping)
but is there
next to her

whispering
suggestions
his warm hand

running down
her left thigh
she lies down

on the bed
thinking him
lying there

kissing her
his left hand
undressing

her clothing
wanting her
she lies there

breathing hot
in this love-
making mock

knowing George
is away
some place else

with shell-shock.