An Incidental Man Poem by Charl JF Cilliers

Lives in the suburbs.
Fought in the Wars.
Retired widower. Grows herbs.
Hides his scars.

Whipped himself into shape.
Others, too, can do as
much. Twice taken prisoner. Escaped.
After that, aged 26, was

invalided out. Takes his dog for walks.
But does not stop or even pause
for idle contemplation or to talk
(no one has any memory of the Wars) .

Whisky-flushed, as if suffused
with anger at a world haphazardly disordered.
Invitations extended are fastidiously refused,
but kindly, and always carefully worded.

Does not ever reflect
on his life: it is as if, without any plan,
he has achieved the perfect
anonymity of the average man.