REMEMBERANCE DAY
Nov 7, 2011 14:26:13 GMT
Post by mitton on Nov 7, 2011 14:26:13 GMT
REMEMBRANCE DAY
I watch these old men march
bereted and badged
as I was in years long gone.
Though I understand
and will honour their need.
I will never join them.
I need no marching or medals
to do honour to comrades dead
the metal would lie heavy
upon my aging chest.
I find no honour in gravestones
the faces in my memory
are still happy and young
I would rather they were here
growing old honoured by
their children’s children.
I need no military band
I keep alive within my soul
the sound my comrades' songs
they are my morning reveille
and my twilights taps
What need I the waving flags
of these patronising politician’s,
and hindsight’s patriots.
When these self same are
cloaked in self interest barter and sell the peace
hard bought by young lives.
Whilst their casual neglect
of our injured and our widows
do such dishonour to our dead.
What right have I of medals
For I am here, aging still
I hold the memories of
such youthful, selfless, sacrifice
their smiles will haunt me ever
For as our young soldiers still do.
I have, in scaring grief, carried home
brave men upon their shields.
NOTICE
In writing this poem I in no way intend any insult on the men who march. Why would I? They are brave men who fought for each other and their country. But it isn't my way and this poem trys to explain..my way. Every year I watch them proudly march, yet something in me won't let me join them (though as a Veteran I could) but we still have young men and women in harms way and every day I pray for their safety
I watch these old men march
bereted and badged
as I was in years long gone.
Though I understand
and will honour their need.
I will never join them.
I need no marching or medals
to do honour to comrades dead
the metal would lie heavy
upon my aging chest.
I find no honour in gravestones
the faces in my memory
are still happy and young
I would rather they were here
growing old honoured by
their children’s children.
I need no military band
I keep alive within my soul
the sound my comrades' songs
they are my morning reveille
and my twilights taps
What need I the waving flags
of these patronising politician’s,
and hindsight’s patriots.
When these self same are
cloaked in self interest barter and sell the peace
hard bought by young lives.
Whilst their casual neglect
of our injured and our widows
do such dishonour to our dead.
What right have I of medals
For I am here, aging still
I hold the memories of
such youthful, selfless, sacrifice
their smiles will haunt me ever
For as our young soldiers still do.
I have, in scaring grief, carried home
brave men upon their shields.
NOTICE
In writing this poem I in no way intend any insult on the men who march. Why would I? They are brave men who fought for each other and their country. But it isn't my way and this poem trys to explain..my way. Every year I watch them proudly march, yet something in me won't let me join them (though as a Veteran I could) but we still have young men and women in harms way and every day I pray for their safety