each table holds ten
eight tables allow eighty
at a sitting
on the far side
is the Matron’s table
Matron at the head
then the Senior Female Nurses
arranged around her
with Junior Female Nurses
seated down the sides
none to commence eating
until Matron does
in the centre
are the artisans
Engineers
Trades
Domestics
men and women
each to their separated tables
on the near side
Male Nursing Staff sit
as per their pecking order
my student group
are the current fools
of the institution
we have sat anywhere
boys and girls together
oblivious
to stern
Disciplinary Glances
~