1114

February 1952

'The King has died, dear,' whispered Mrs Harding

As we washed our hands before we went to eat

Our dinner in the school hall that dull morning.

'The King has died.'

I was only six, and did not treat

The news with any sense of mourning

But began - seeing my teacher greet

Her friend in silence - to feel a subtle dawning,

An awareness this day would create

A lingering memory of an era passing.

'The King has died.'

Brian Hick February 2012

©copyright Sally Hick 7.2.24