The Great War

Lychgate rabbit

A toddler-sized rabbit squats
under the lychgate. Its dusty coat
is nicotine cream. Inscribed
overhead, To The Blessed Dead.

It paws a pleated handkerchief,
ears sweep the varnished seat.
The wooden arch is scratched
TNL and CVL went in WAR 14.

Autumn leaves crackle on a path
to the graves. Inside the church,
stained glass bright, the Vicar’s
wife tips wilting lilies into pails.

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Categorised as Notions