That voice boomed out,
Held me rooted there
As he progressed majestically
Across the Parade Square.
He looked me up and down,
Demanded to know why
I was polluting his world
By not wearing my tie.
Now I had a little chitty
Issued by the M.O.
For those strange folk
Who felt they needed to know,
That for medical reasons
As my little chitty said
This man just for now
Cannot turn his head
For he has a carbuncle
Just at collar height
So is excused ties
And saluting left or right.
For the one and only time
I saw the start of a grin,
Saw his eyes crinkle,
Saw a quiver of his chin,
And just at that time
I realised I was seeing
Behind all that bull
A fellow human being.
He pulled himself together
Cast an eye over my kit.
Me being bean pole thin
It was a case of touch and fit.
He very heavily sighed
And I heard him say
I've got your card marked
Then he smartly marched away.
