Notes from London, February 1946
I have several time mentioned colanders
Because we happen to want one
They cost three shillings and eleven-pence
Which is twice what they are worth.
Demobilisation is going very well indeed
There were three new faces at my little bank yesterday
Some measure of civility again
Such a change from the wartime staff.
There is a tremendous howl over the discovery
Of a spy ring in Canada
Selling atom secrets to the Russians.
Last night I had a talk with my sisters
About the London we knew when we were young.
The districts were more mixed up then.
As I look at the great serving dish above the dresser
I cannot help but think we represent
A phase of England that is vanishing forever.
But at least the Minister of Food has climbed down on the matter of dried eggs.
Written by Professor Richard Toye as a follow up contribution from his interview with Maeve Cucciol and Olivia Fothergill in the 'Poetry project' series.