Inserted in the body of the poem is the following author note: Jonathan H. Saunders, librarian at the Hopetown Municipal Library, carries two newspaper clippings in his wallet. The first, dated October 25th, 1931, reports at length the proceedings of the trial of one James Hamilton Shaw - schoolteacher, aged 24; and the sentencing to 15 years' imprisonment in His Majesty's Gaol for (what was called) 'unnatural behaviour'. The second, dated November 7th, 1940, records in one paragraph, six lines, the parole of the said James Hamilton Shaw, stating two reasons - good conduct, and the war.