No Fairy-Tale – This

Cherry

By Silver Spun Sand

Thu, 19 Jun 2014
  • 2521 reads
10 comments
 
Once upon a time, found himself in  Basra;
Royal Engineers – Parachute Squadron. 
 
Knew everything about explosives...except
for the landmine – blew him to bits.
 
She – his good lady wife, filled shelves,
split-shift at Tesco; raised the twins. Baked 
jam tarts – if she’d time, for their teas.
 
Laundered sheets, fresh for their beds, 
tucked them in nights, read them stories...
fairytales, mostly;
 
her favourite - the one  about
him coming home, and how they lived 
happily ever after.
 
Each evening, round six, took a cloth 
from the drawer,  one with forget-me-nots on,
her late mother had sewn.
 
Laid the table for four; took her ten years
to kick the habit.
 
His comrades in arms labelled him a hero. 
 
Called  her a widow – trying, like hell,
to make ends meet. 
Certificate 15
Poem
Silver Spun Sand Poems
Biography
Love

Comments

Submitted by Bee on

Morning, Tina.

The other half of the story. Poignant and perfectly worded to draw appropriate sympathy. She's a hero.

Bee

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Thank you, Bee.

Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Her battle, the long one. No medal, but appreciation and a job persevered at will bring satisfaction, and respect. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Exactly, Rhiannon.  Exactly.  Tina

 

 

Submitted by Starfish Girl on

So sad that we forget about the wives and children left behind, carrying on and 'trying ' to accept.

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Very true, Lindy.  My daughter was an 'Army wife' once upon a time, so I know you're right, first-hand. Many thanks for reading, and for your words.

Tina

 

Submitted by scratch on

Very good poem here Tina.  I love the undercurrent of bitterness that I taste and the unbirthed scream that seems to be biding its time.  Wonderful.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Much appreciated, scratch.

Tina

 

Submitted by Denzella on

This is one from the top drawer,, Tina.  You show life after a hero's death.  A life that doesn't win public aclaim  but rather the daily struggle is hidden from view.  Well thought out, Tina.

Moya 

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Pleased you thought so, Moya.  My thanks to you...as ever.

Tina