Politeness. 1945.

As we approached the verandah he

signalled to his wife and three children,

gently  thrusting out his arm in front

of his family to include me.

First he bowed to his wife and then she

responded and I followed suit with

dignity. Next the children bowed. He

was so proud and delighted. We spent

a few minutes bobbing up and down.

This ritual went on for some weeks.

One day a Red Cross parcel fell out

of the sky and the friendly guard said;

“We’ve got the hot water, you’ve the soap.

Share a bath with us.” My heart leapt with

joy at the gesture.