cheerio

after three years
in England they come back
different.
I notice piping on her clothes,
and the children
buttoned down
with coats and gloves,
hats like small
Winston churchills.
they're
talking about butter pies
and tea
at four. pints of ale.
saying things like cheerio
good man,
are we having fun today, my love?
everything
said in a question.
early are we?
well, aren't we the happy
fellow, etc.
you'll be careful
of the bloody snake
in the yard, won't you?
we don't want to get bitten,
do we?