village of Charlton
At the end of Catbrain lane
Razed in Forty-eight
village of Charlton
At the end of Catbrain lane
Razed in Forty-eight
THE TINKER
Works in light metals
Traveling from house to house
mending pots and pans
THE LAMPLIGHTER
He emerged at dusk
with rod and hook in his hand
lighting gas mantles.
THE CHANDLER
One who makes or sells
Candles rendered from tallow
lighting dark pathways
THE COOPER
Barrel assembly
In French it’s the “mise en rose”
hogsheads and firkins
THE RAT CATCHER
Wiley like a cat
Working at night to set traps
All rodents beware
THE NIGHT WATCHMAN
Eyes now dilated
watching in the still darkness
ready for trouble.
THE TOWN CRIER
Come, Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
I bring a proclamation
Spring will be here soon!
I was saddended to learn of the passing of captain Tom today.

I am an immigrant to the USA. I came to the United States of America while employed by Lufthansa German Airlines. As it turned out, by the time my visa was approved I actually started to work for Air France when I arrived in the USA. This was because Air France needed a French speaking employee. It’s a long story so I’ll spare you the details.
One of the first actions I took on arrival was to register myself (required by law) for the draft. My draft number was 252. Later I received a letter to tell me that my draft status had changed due to prior service in NATO and that I was now head of family. The Vietnam war however, continued.
It took me a while to settle in to the American way of life. There were many wonderful things to get used to.
I should mention that did not opt to leave the U.K. for discontent, simply that I was sked if I would like to go where I could be helpful. I had previously worked in Hamburg for the same reason.
Now to the point f this posting; America was a Great Country, a world leader, a great participant in world affairs and a great contributor and supporter of Democracy and the fight against Communism, poor health and poverty.
So it was with some reason to wonder why Don the Con launched his presidential bid with the slogan to Make America great Again.
Looking back on the events of this past week clearly demonstrates that this was ot his goal. In fact, the opposite has happened during his presidency: the USA is the laughing stock of our former allies throughout Europe and Scandinavia in NATO. The USA is the talk and mirth at vodka drinking parties hosted by Vladimir Putin about how that managed to compromise a a future resident to the point of treason. Donald Trump is a disappointment! He is clear and present danger.
And yet I have friends who still say things like, Yes but what about Hilary Clinton’s emails and one who says, what about ANTIFA – anti first ammendment.
Gimme a break. Did I miss something?
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