Socks

Shining pins that dart and click

In the fireside’s sheltered peace

Check the thoughts the cluster thick  -

20 plain and then decrease.

He was brave – well, so was I –

Keen and merry, but his lip

Quivered when he said good-bye –

Purl the seam-stitch, purl and slip.

Never used to living rough,

Lots of things he’d got to learn;

Wonder if he’s warm enough –

Knit 2, catch 2, knit, turn.

Hark! The paper-boys again!

Wish that shout could be suppressed;

Keeps one always on the strain –

Knit off 9, and slip the rest.

Wonder if he’s fighting now,

What he’s done an’ where he’s been;

He’ll come out on top somehow –

Slip 1, knit 2, purl 14.