COMRADES

Sitting in quiet companionship

On a grassy cliff where flowers grow

And thoughts like restless winds fly free,

Gazing at the bay below.

Remembering what used to be -

Battles fought, and love songs sung,

When they were young.

Medals glint in springtime sun

Proclaiming deeds of derring-do;

Watching white clouds scudding by

Remembering the planes they flew

Elegant as swallows in azure sky,

But deadly as the birds of prey

Swooping, baying overhead.

Long ago and far away

Soft tears steal down each fine-lined face

Recalling comrades so long gone:

Neptune’s waves their resting place.

And as the shadows lengthen

Sweet Zephyr’s breeze begins to chill,

And they sigh to leave their memories

With the daffodils on the hill.