demob happy

demob happy

the first day after peace breaks out  

with desert, camels, heat, and flies

reduced to bitter memory

I will skip the swaying gangplank -  

from ferry onto Papy* quayside -     

lay my kitbag on the jetty

kiss the earth and those who meet me  

and with gladsome prayers and praises 

thank God against the howling gale.

*Papa Westray