In the Cold, Spring Sunlight...

By Silver Spun Sand

Fri, 13 Mar 2015
  • 2351 reads
10 comments
 
Standing on the front porch step, 
I have to smile – watching my three,
and the twins next door, playing conkers;
tons left over from the autumn;
 
that’s the best thing about this place –
the horse-chestnut tree and the yard...
not much more than a postage-stamp
but it’s enough for them to let off steam...
get out from under my feet. 
 
House not much to write home about...only
to be expected of the Army, I suppose.
 
Next spring we’re being revamped,
so they tell us...new windows, and
a lick of paint.  I’ll believe it
when it happens.
 
Amazing how time flies, though.
 
Five years since, those twins lost their dad.   
Helmand Province...a  landmine... Died 
a hero they told his wife; the boy,
Billy, the spitting image of his dad
running down the path, just now.
 
“We are the champions !” he yells
at the top of his lungs. What it is
to be young. 
 
A battle fought and won with a conker 
and piece of string.
 
 
Certificate 12
Poem
Silver Spun Sand Poems
Philosophy
Other Non-fiction

Comments

Submitted by torscot on

Hello Sandlady

Sad in way this read.

 I often think of the futility of war. Helmand as you mention is one.

Then there is the army housing, all poor in many ways and not good for morale.

On a positive note I did like the picture attached, a very Japanese scene complete with blossom I thought.

Regards

torscot

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Thanks, torscot.  This poem posted today, of course, to coincide with the memorial service at St. Paul's Cathedral to commemorate the end of Britain's thirteen year involvement in the Afghanistan war.

My daughter's husband served in the Royal Engineers, but has since retired from the army.  Many a tale I could tell, and this, just one. 

Oops, and thanks for liking the picture.  I found it kinda special, toosmiley Oh and apparently it's supposed to be a maple tree, but it looks much more like blossom, than maple leaves to me, anyway.

Sandlandy

 

Submitted by tibi popovici on

Agree with torscot, sad story, but i think it is written in such a way you can't dramatize it too much.

Like it, Tina!

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Thanks, tibi.  Well put.

Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

A glimpse of a family coping as a poignant memorial to the father. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Indeed, Rhiannon...and cope they did.

Tina

 

Submitted by Bee on

This wonderful snapshot of the day - children at play, joyfully winning a battle with conkers sets of a stark comparison of what is lost. Quietly moving piece. 

Bee

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

My thanks to you, Bee.

Tina

 

Submitted by hilary west on

A moving tribute focussing on an ordinary family. Nice, thoughtful piece!

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Your thoughts, as ever, greatly appreciated, hilary.

Tina