The pocket book with its red cloth cover

well thumbed by a neighbour's hands

offered self improvement of a spiritual nature

via prayer and procedure, hymns,

holy etiquette in a cruel world. 

If proof of this condition was needed it was evident

from its cursory disposal in a skip

by her grandson after her husband had died. 

Inside the cover in enthusiastic biro script was:

"To Mrs Binfield on her confirmation

in St. Andrews Parish Church Farnham

on December 3rd 1950 by the Lord Bishop

of Guildford" - then - "fight the good fight."

 

Now it lives in pious obscurity on my shelf

like a soul saved from a fate the equal of death.