Dudman's Cold Stare 1916 Poem by Terry Collett

A car arrives in the drive
and stops outside
the front door

all the servants are there
and George's parents
wait there all importantly
watching the car door

the chauffeur gets out
and opens the back door
and George back
from the hospital
for shell shock
gets out and puts a hand
over his forehead
to block out sunlight
then looks around the grounds
around the house

his mother steps forward
and takes his hand
welcome home George
she says

George stares at her
he nods but doesn't smile
he looks into the faces
of all those standing there
by the front door
as if amongst strangers

his father moves forward
and gently takes his son's arm

George moves forward uncertainly
his feet unsteady
his hands shaking slightly
his eyes move over the servants
wide and staring

then he stops
and points to Polly
Polly
he says softly
almost a mumble

she gazes at him
uncertain what to do

the mother looks at Polly
come help Polly
Master George recognizes you
and indicates
with her other hand
that she should come

so Poly walks
to George's side
and says nothing
but smiles at him
and he smiles back

we'll go to his room
the father says

a footman takes the bags
and follows George
and his parents and Polly
inside the house
and up the wide staircase

the other servants
including the butler Dudman
move away from the door
and go about their tasks

Dudman goes in
and stares at the party
walking upstairs slowly
and sighs

Polly has overstepped the line
as far as he is concerned
he'll have to watch her
he muses watching the party
disappear from the stairs
and gives the absent Polly
one of his cold stares.