I won’t hang around, old pal – recite
a time-worn prayer; join with officers
and comrades all, to weep, dry-eyed,
at your grave; justify a war
you never believed in.
“I ask you. What finer way to die
than as a hero?
Rest in peace – he who gave his life
for queen and country.
Our hearts, go out, of course,
to his wife and family.”
Soft-hearted sod that he was; blown to bits
by a crippled, basket-laden donkey
and tear-filled, innocent eyes...
So, if it’s OK with you, I’m out of here.
Sure to find you by the bookstall
at Old Street Station, or in the queue
for whatever’s on at the Adelphi.
Failing that, I’ll grab a coffee
and a sandwich, at the café
on the corner by the news-stand.
Bound to catch you there.
Boyish grin – corkscrew hair;
mirrored in the window... the more I stare.
Forgive me, if I decline to do
what protocol dictates, discharge
my mandatory duty; throw rosebuds
on your flag-draped coffin.
No disrespect intended...
Because, from this garden of stone,
you are long-since flown; to the place
we’d fish in the lee of the willow;
no sound, save the swish of eucalyptus.
And the cicada’s tympani
sounds its sad, sweet elegy
by the bend on Muddy River.
Comments
SundaysChild | May 7, 2009 - 23:51
What a striking poem.
Dynamaso | May 8, 2009 - 08:11
You do these melancholy pieces so well and this is another fine example of your work. Excellent!
Silver Spun Sand | May 8, 2009 - 10:07
My thanks to you for reading. Glad it made an impact.
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | May 8, 2009 - 10:08
Nice of you to say so, Dynamaso. Much appreciated.
Tina
Nathan Bednarek | May 8, 2009 - 13:38
I feel like I’m there. Another wonderfully crafted poem. The images are almost tangible.
I never get tired of your poetry.
Wonderful work, well done.
Nathan.
MistakenMagic | May 8, 2009 - 15:03
This is wonderful Tina! It's so easy to relate to the narrator even though I've never experienced something like this - and I agree with every word!
Love;
'So, if it’s OK with you, I’m out of here.
Sure to find you by the bookstall
at Old Street Station, or in the queue
for whatever’s on at the Adelphi.'
Well done on the cherry ;)
Magic xxx
Silver Spun Sand | May 8, 2009 - 21:43
Magic - I thank you so much for your lovely words and for taking time out from your studies so to do;-
Tina xxx
sarah wilson | May 9, 2009 - 10:21
I'd just like to say that all your poetry has moved me - but this one, for personal reasons, touches me deeply. I love reading your work.
Sarah xx
Silver Spun Sand | May 9, 2009 - 11:34
Sarah - my thanks to you. Your words are special and I appreciate them greatly.
Tina xx
threeleafshamrock | May 16, 2009 - 11:52
Another remarkable poem...if I keep saying 'One of your best', it will begin to sound crass but it's not my fault that you keep getting better and more surprising with every piece. Lovely, well done Tina.
Chris XX