Brass Whistle And Braided Lanyard

A chocolate box of memories
placed uncertainly – by whom
remains a mystery, but not
by me, sustaining thoughts of
eras past in souvenirs which
exculpate these reveries.

Solitary cufflink with an Army
badge – The Regiment, spoon
with flange we used to open
cans of food from ration packs,
rank insignia – various, pins
and pennants, dog tags, shirt

studs for black tie events,
buckles off OD combat gear,
buttons, large and shiny for
formal wear, a name board
inscribed with name and rank
– all no-longer relevant.

These past events are shuffled
through with candid care, fingered,
fondled and revered. Lid replaced
to close the flight of memories; the
only useful thing in there – a worn
brass whistle and braided lanyard...
© 28 March 2007, I.D. Carswell