Pier Pressure 
Pier Pressure
by Sheila Thomas
To the memory of Warren Peter Clowes, killed in action near Warfussée, Abancourt
on the 30th March, 1918, aged 20 years
They listen quite politely but I see
They're hoping for a racy story where
A tale of riches and of tragedy
Involves some slender girl with thrilling hair;
They hope to learn how nicely she was groomed,
The jewels she wore, her choice of china plate
And if the house was haunted or was doomed
And what the hearty handsome hero ate.
I point to photos in the album, show
The pony, dogs and picnics, sports and fun,
The sturdy little boy who did not know
His fate of soldier's death in World War One.
And bright above the terrace, martins swing;
For them: house, air, mate, brightness—everything.