Fireside Spectacular


Late-night with whisky, the biscuit-tin reverie -
Shadows in hats on a harvest field
And a letter from France.

The worst already over,  and no illusions left.
A final fusillade of entertainment - 
We were all phantoms.

Whir and ting 
Of the crofter's clock,  an heirloom,  
Enthusiastic on the mantelpiece.