Judy(E) Dawkin

Seen by a child Judy was a frightening sight All tousled hair n beard all wild A hermit they said One of two I ever met Old long khaki coat of ex army grubby For belt an ex-electric iron n flex Rudeness or aggression none Gruff countenance felt not said Strange restrained respect from village folk Tales of Great War gist of hero What was the truth? What had he done? Too long ago now All dead or addled Remnant Memories Perhaps nearly all mine His home Shack by the river How many long quiet nights Water passing by Heaven or hell Who dares judge? A mystery now Judy’s Echo