Rosalee van Stelten was a Petty Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy (Wrens) during the Cold War. Her father, Major V.O. Auger, served with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in the Italian campaign in World War II.
"Embers" is from Pattern of Genes, Frontenac House
V.O. (Bud) Auger
Together we sit at the round oak table
while ebony night leans
against the frosted window pane.
I snick the slotted guard
beneath the buttons
of my father's army tunic
cloud their crowns with polish
buff them to a brassy shine.
Grey wisps wind round
his head, past half-closed eye
he rolls and packs
next day's supply of smokes
tucks them in a silver tin.
Work done, love glows
like the crimson ember
tipping his cigarette.
