In a damp box in a cold doorway

Cynthia’s book lay exposed to the December rain

Many passed bit no-one cared

Until a sailor visiting Deal

Took pity

And placed the book into the woollen pocket

Of his heavy coat

He now lies in his bunk

Many seas distant

Reading

Natures Stories  

A gift from Ronald to Cynthia

On Christmas Day 1928

They were great friends

But never lovers

And to the best of my knowledge

Neither had visited Deal