Poems
Everything surrounding me
Everything surrounding me Makes me see, if I apply my faith I’m sure I shall succeed Beyond the darkened days And clouds over heads I know the Lord guides me I know from this I do not have to fear For he knows my fate Before I can even begin to understand Everything...
The ultimate sacrifice
The roof over my head, The warmth and comfort of my bed, Are because a soldier sometime, somewhere; Was there for me, his life to spare? Who fought for me - down the generations, Who sacrificed for me and our nations.
At Sunset in the Haute-Provence, France. (Plateau du Valensole – July 2008)
At sunset the warm flowers meet the cooling sky and each takes on the others’ shade; The pink that’s gathered in the clouds is borrowed from the lavender blade, Or is it that the lavender hue is taken from the sky and mixed this way? No, it’s the setting sun creating...
Complete and utter joy
Have you ever experienced complete and utter joy so that it filled your whole being? I have experienced this once and it was something that made my soul sing. It came upon me quite without any warning, took my by surprise With the force of a rainstorm, black clouds...
Tribute to the Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force known for their generosity, in old times daredevil kills; But let’s not forget their reputation and world-renowned drinking skills. In all four corners of the world, every breakroom & mess; each surviving man recalls The drinking contests they lost...
I grieve
I grieve Beyond what the world may believe I declare to you lord I grieve I cry on the days I miss him I smile on the days I remember him I throw my anger out against wall To express my grieve I grieve Beyond what the angels may see And he may perceive I cried, I...
Awake me
Awake me When you return Allow me to bury my head upon the sand Awake me But don’t’ forget For I shan’t live A day without you You are my encouragement You are my inspiration And I shan’t forget But please wake me up When you return For I can’t live without...
In whom do I trust?
Me mate and me out on patrol eyes peeled for any unrest, scanning the roofs for snipers bullets. A car cruises past thumping hearts till it speeds on by danger imagined. A rock – skirted for fear it’s real, every step a threat. A typical day in Iraq. Then in a vision...
Incoming!
Half asleep and half in dream…awakened by an awful scene Overhead they seem to scream……above my little room 1, 2 then 3 …..4,5,6,7 hells teeth that might be 8! Explosions all around it feels, shock after shock wave as the walls vibrate And then that very eerie...
Home someday
Tell her something’s on my mind That the image of her Is never lost in time And all I want to do Is stop what im doing And come on home to you Now lord when im gone Please make sure im coming home but until then See that she always stays strong Coz if there’s one...
Target – Berlin
The night was dark and starless; the wind was fresh and keen, The bombers stood in readiness, silent and unseen. The pilots waited tensely the long appointed hour Some were grave, some were gay, others quiet and dour. A few were looking quite relaxed with laughing...
Tyne Cot
The sun shines down on those below All stood to attention, in perfect row Neatly aligned, standing perfectly still No movement here, in the winters chill It is peaceful now, in that sunshine bright With those ranks lined up, from left to right I see no regiments, as I...
Kind Gentleman
A birthday gathering for a lovely man Who has helped us all, if and when he can? He started my path into civilian life. A job to support me, the kids and the wife It was working, evening s, nights and day For this we received quite good pay I thought this is fine just...
Where was He?
Cold blustery November again. Trembling in the gale that seems a constant companion here, I inspect the faces that surround me. Lost souls, most of them, seeking some ethereal contact with a soldier or other fighting man. Banners and flags whip and crack like the...
He who walks beside me
Who is it walks beside me As battles I do fight ? Who is it that protects me Whilst marching through the night ? I’ve been in conflicts round the globe And he is always there He’s at my side both day and night I’ve seen him someplace, where ? His features are familiar...
No goodbye for a Mother
With purity of innocence They stand in white Row upon Row On the restful green. Silver dewdrops cling To shortened Blades of grass Afraid to let go. The crimson Of spilt blood Washes away into The pink of dawn. All that remained From the black night Was wrapped...
Last orders
Destructive, belligerent, lager lout. Is this what your life is all about ? What pent up frustrations stir your mind ? Or some other causes we’ve yet to find. In far off days and in better ways, Britain’s gave up their youthful days, To die in mud, in rain and in...
Push off and leave me alone
Push off and leave me alone And take your phoney sympathy with you. You don’t get it do you … he was special. Not in that Everyone’s special new labour way He was and so were we We didn’t meet at a dance or in some cheap nasty pub We met in a place where the lovers...
Poems are meant to be clever and rhyme
Poems are meant to be clever and rhyme They are supposed to be deconstructed and analysed Well not mine Do you Think With some random Capital Letters and some really Strange Sentences, I can fool Them Perhaps I could grow my hair long and become A performance poet...
Remember them with glory
The conflict’s still not over The fight is still not won But today we all remember The ones that are now gone. The ones who fought their battle And those that won their fight For the good of all Mankind And the interests of right. They may not see the sun again, Or...
Remember today
We remember today, the men and women who fell In war while fighting for our freedom ‘Your country needs you’, the posters read On the wall near the old school yard, With pictures of marching soldiers And a white enlisting card ‘Let’s join up’, the young boys said, ‘We...
Freedom
I went to the National Arboretum And felt my blood run cold At all those wasted lives Who had no chance of growing old. The grass was green where I walked Which their eyes will never see For they all gave up their lives To fight for peace and me. Thousands of names,...
Its not the first time
They were there again last night, They sit there accusing Unforgiving Reminding me That its not a game They are shouting now: “You did your job. So well done you But what are we supposed to do? Now, that we are gone? You took the credit for your courageous actions,...
Conespirasy
Cones appearing everywhere An Army of them now Called up on ‘ Conescription ‘ To take their sacred vow To hassle all us drivers To make us swear and curse To block the roads and slow us down To make our journeys worse I phoned the new ‘ Cone hotline ‘ I said , to cone...
Where were you?
Where Were You? when the shells were flying and the boys were on the beach sons and brothers dying safely out of reach? Where were you when the landing craft were thrusting through the waves toward the shore with the cream of England’s youth some to return no more?...
Over There
The memories come so vividly of days that used to be War time news and shortages. Songs at mother’s knee. I remember watching searchlights as we stood at our front door sharing one banana There just weren’t any more. I remember sirens screaming then the sound of the...
The fields now are green again
The fields now are green again where once they ran with blood. Trees are sheltering the spot where once our brave lads stood. Just close your eyes and picture this the mud, the noise, the wire, the terror of those teenaged boys As someone shouted ‘FIRE’ The smell, the...
I thought about the war today
I thought about the war today And tears came to my eyes, So many lives were sacrificed To gain the peace that we all prize The memory of Dunkirk Comes clearly back to me, Line after line of men Wading out into the sea Bombs exploding round them, Thick black smoke and...
Tears we cannot hide
On this Remembrance Monday, The years have come and gone A million men have fallen, But still they soldier on. Young men left their mothers Husbands left their wives Marching on forever They sacrificed their lives. In foreign fields and trenches As men and boys they...
They never came home
They never came home you know Those boys from down the street But I always will remember Those proudly marching feet. I stood and watched the soldiers Pay tribute to their friends The ones they left behind them In a war that never ends. There was Tommy Jones from down...
Heroes
Hey there young soldiers So brave and so true Alas you’ve been injured But you’re going to pull through That strength and grit Still runs through your veins So dig down deep inside And fight once again You’ve trained hard and long Don’t give up the fight now Stay...
Angels of Medicine
Sound the alarm Scramble the MERT* Emergency rooms stand by A brave soldier’s been hurt Chinook is waiting Ready to fly Clock is counting The Golden Hour is nigh Aware of the dangers They’ll undoubtedly face The MERT show no fear To the Chinook they race The MERT is...
Retired from the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment
From a nurse, Vicki Lines Retired from the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, my identity has gone, Pangs of loneliness, isolation the nights are long. I've seen my comrades wounded, fallen at my feet, Now dumped in this no-mans land called Civilian Street. I have fought with...
Jungle killing grounds
Inserted high above the trees From ‘ Choppers ‘ we did rope Heavy with equipment For handholds we did grope We’re swallowed by the canopy Of trees so high and thick Devoured by the darkness And branches hard as brick We drop onto the earth below The ropes they pull...
A Moment of Thought.
When you go out for a drink, What is it that you never think? Do you ever stop half way through, And have a moment for those that fight for you. Do you ever raise your glass high, For those that fight and die? The ones that made that vow, And for those that are...
My Angel Valentine
Our love has lived forever Across the sands of time I travelled through the Universe To be your Valentine But when I reach your earthly home Without me you have found I watch you from some distance This time I’m not around For I was just an Angel You now in human form...
Wiped Clean
The blazing sands whistle through the tent threads Calling the names of the dead Calling for a remembrance That has been neglected The papers lie in a pile on the sand covered desk Buried like the dead whose names cover them Hiding from the glare of the publics...
The First Time
She looked just like me, but I wore a uniform and she was in rags Take my baby she said, you look well fed. I turned away, thoughts of my son in my head. Back home 30 clicks away. He was safe, happy, chubby, and waiting for Mum. Gospoda, I can’t. That’s not my mandate...
Soldier Soul
“Purvey me your soul”, The Devil Cried, To a war torn and down trodden Warrior, “We’ll descend through the Earth, An insidious place, Much deeper than any old Collier”. Looked up from the ground, The young Soldier did, Looked him firm and square in the eye, “I’ve done...
No Hiding Place
When everything is going wrong Do you sit and contemplate What has caused this turbulence To make you so irate Is it the intolerance Of others near and far Unwittingly to upset your life Without reasons particular So stand your ground my friend No need to build a wall...
Raindrops and Tears.
The raindrops mix with my tears, The ones I shed when I show my fears, The scars I bear you can not trace, For I always see his long dead face. I stumble but do not fall, Held up by my brothers all, Together we stand against the strife, To uphold freedom and for your...
‘’Sincerely Yours ‘’
‘’Sincerely Yours ‘’, the whole world over Blue birds flying, over the cliffs of Dover Servicemen’s memories of departing train Longing for the time, ‘’ we’ll meet again’’ Forces Sweetheart, for many a while That lovely voice, that beautiful smile Supporting our...
Promenade
Strolling the Promenade In the midst of Winter No Holidaymakers in sight What are the thoughts that go thro’ your head Is this the place to live , despite The fact that so many strangers In a few more months may choose To follow in these very footsteps In an attempt...
Rorke’s Drift
And did those feet in Victorian times March through that thick, brown sand so fine? Red coats marching through the hot sun In time? And does the ring of those fine Welsh voices Still ring? In that uplifting way only the Welsh sing? As battle raged and bullets pinged...
Too Soon
Dear Lord as you guide our soldier To his resting place above Please let him take fond memories And most of all our love Our hearts they have been broken So much they can’t be mended You called for our soldier far too soon His life should not have ended There are no...
The Garden of Plenty
The garden of plenty Amid the deserts of Afghanistan Lush and lethal, bleak and ferocious The green zone - lifeline of the Taliban Thousands of them gathering at Musa Qala In steep booby trapped wadis they wait Hiding their mines and other devices Like hunters priming...
The Ballad of Dunkirk
Will came back from school that day, And he had little to say. But he stood a long time looking down To where the grey-green Channel water Slapped at the foot of the little town, And to where his boat, the Sarah P, Bobbed at the tide on an even keel, With her one old...
The Credit Crunch
The economy is failing; unemployment is a rising trend Companies are going to the wall, where is it going to end? Our government informs us, that we are in recession Oh what a revelation; homes are threatened with re-possession Some are losing their houses, and all...
The Unused Room
Speckled dust, dances on the mahogany table Flecked particles perform acrobatics in the stale air Caught in the footlights of the afternoon sun They perform for no one, but themselves. Closed book’s, bound in secret line one wall Two portraits hang opposite, seeing...
True love hurts
He’s not gone He’s always there He’s looking down on you He’s your guiding star But it’s not true I watched him die I fought for him but this battle I didn’t win My training kicked in and I did what I knew But it wasn’t enough. I ordered them to stop when it had gone...
The Wrong Way Round
It’s a funny old world, our world. Nice day at the office dear? Need to know darling and you don’t need to know! Will you be home in time for dinner? Need to know my love and you don’t need to know! What was it that woke you screaming and crying in the night my sweet?...
For My Warrior Poet
Short days ago, we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved. Owen said it better than me, Another Poet, in another place, that land between the rivers invoked Elliott, to tell me of his love, but those were happy times, when love was born, took root and...
Moth or myth ?
Am I a moth, or am I a myth Of this I’m having doubt I’ve lived all my life in a closet But now I’m coming out I really am a mixed-up moth I flap about all night Heading for the ceiling Because I’ve seen the light All wrapped up inside myself When I was a cocoon But...
Fiddlers Green
In days gone by no longer seen The talk was of sweet ‘’Fiddlers green’’ An enchanted place far from ships and whalers The final resting place of sailors Where countless willing ladies come With casks that never drained of rum Fair wind blowing and flying fish To...
The poppy
I was walking the dog, across the fields one day, In between the corn and the fence, A poppy blocked my way, I could have stepped over, or could have walked round I could have even pushed it into the ground, But fortunately respect made me think and say, How can I...
THE FLAG
You see me now all tattered and torn But I was serving our country before you were born Along with the soldier, who cherished me We had been constant companions, over land and sea Once I covered our brave men as we lay them to rest They were broken in body, but they...
Equality
What does it matter, the colour of his skin? When all that’s important is, the person within Why focus on whether, he’s white, brown or black? We are all of God’s children; you can’t deny that With so many cultures, having different beliefs All living together, on the...
Busy
For a while, I have written no verse, not even just one line I have been pre-occupied, and have just not had the time My wife and I, just moved home, we’ve been busy, day and night So, with moving, and going off to work, I’ve had no time to write We moved home over...
Peter Southern and PTSD
For many a lad when leaving School A question that Career Teachers would often pose How are you going to spend your life And surprising how many the Army chose As their way to fulfil their yearning To rid themselves of inhibitions and such Whilst a useful Trade they...
Mind Games
One brave young soldier Drifts off to sleep late at night But as he’s resting peacefully A vision appears in his sight His eyes filled with terror Body covered in sweat From a recurring mind game He longs to forget He tries to rise From his soaking wet bed But he’s...
Entry
A soldier stood at the pearly gates, Looking left to right, for the lads, his mates. When a kindly voice came from on high, Youʼre safe now soldier, you want to know why ? In the course of your day to day, You secured life, in your own special way, Helping those...
Absent Fate
To know what he is going through is dreadful. The man I love stuck in the trenches seeing blood squirting out of every person whom he glared at. To even think of all the images described in his letters, I burst in tears reading his letters from a month ago. I cannot...
Going
The time has come, My ride awaits, Load up the car And out the gates Goodbye's are said In the dead of night Four months ahead What is my plight. Bright roadside light's Attract my eye's As darkness lead's The way to Brize. Six long hour's Of hanging around, In...
Love Explained
My wife My daughter My son Love explained Job done.
Thoughts of Goodbye
It is almost time, soon I will have to let go, we have talked and talked how I will miss him so. I promised I wouldn’t make it difficult for him but the chances of me smiling are growing dim. I never realized until now, how hard it would be to have to watch him wave...
Stay Low, Move Fast, Stay Safe
Once again another tour of duty Takes you loved ones far from home But one thing you must always remember Is that you will never be alone We’ll think about you day and night Keep your love deep in our hearts We’ll stay as strong as we can be Whilst we are miles apart...
Rise Against and Fall
The blood that is spilt in our countries name, Is the blood of sons and families pain, The day their tears hit the floor, Was the day they closed his coffin door. He did his job in every way, And was proud to be serving that day, But when that fire came round his...
The Shaking of my Coffin
There are things I think, There are things I say, Some things I wish, And sometimes I pray. In these times the bombs will fall, Or when the rounds come in, And I pray for brothers all, That they don’t pay for any sin. My coffin shakes with terror, Is it my turn yet?...
Snow in the City
Snow wistfully falling; settling silently whereat it lands A soft, white fitted carpet of the purest jewelled crystals. Net curtains twitch; as surprised eyes widen in wonder Before draped curtains close and settees and televisions beckon. The temperature plummets as...
24 hours
24 hours in this box nothing to see, just dirt And rocks. This desert air is cold tonight, My lips are such a sorry sight. Throbbing, chapped and Very dry. This 24 will not fly by. 24 Hours of sitting, standing Hear the helicopters landing. Delivering, perhaps a...
Untitled
I am watching the news on the telly Here is a man, wearing a hoodie Face hidden, dark clothes, been on the run Said to be the leader of a gang Boasts of his power – and his gun They say he has killed an innocent bystander More news and here’s another man Camouflaged...
Once a Soldier
“…’eft…’ight…’eft…’ight…” “Shun!” and “You! Stand still!” Getting into line my friend… Learning all the drill. Once you’re tied to Army kin… It cannot be undone… You only ever get ‘fell in,’ And never ‘fell out’ my son. When visiting the bars in all the world, When...
Medal of honour
I chanced upon a soldier well bedecked With medals of gold and bronze…and silver too… And ribboned cloths of every coloured hue. Endowed was he with honour and respect. But then I paused…a momentary thought… That inner peace of mind…once innocent… Is now bestained by...
Enduring love
Love, blossomed pink on the fair skin of the sweet lass awaiting; The young man, late rushes in haste the violets crushed in his hand; Arm in arm they strolled along the promenade; The girl and her soldier Precious times together in 1939. A broad smile, beamed from...
Yesterday’s Soldier reborn
Yesterday a Soldier Today I’m cast aside I used to be a Warrior Now I just want to hide I drove around on four-wheels ‘ Gung-ho ‘, without a care I used to wear a uniform But now I wear a chair I curse that day out on patrol A land-mine lay in wait Hidden in the...
I betrayed her trust
Six-month undercover Living in ‘ The Creggan ‘ Got myself a girlfriend An Irish girl called ‘ Meggan ‘ Sometimes forget I’m ’ Army ‘ No ‘ Sir’s out on the street No bull*** with the uniform No Officers to greet A ‘ Handler ‘ I’ve not seen for weeks No word from him...
Why sign off ?
I’ve been in for six years or so, And believe me when I say it hasn’t been slow, I keep being asked when I will quit, And to settle down and learn how to sit. Behind a desk? How boring is that? I like adventure with rifle and pack, It will be a long time before I put...
Clothest
What do you think when we are dressed in green? Another soldier that’s wicked and mean, You avoid all the pubs in the area, As if they are infested with malaria. What do you think when we are dressed in dust? A soldier from the front who has your trust, You beep your...
Who am I ?
Who am I? I’m me of course At least I think I am I am so many people rolled into one I’ll explain as best I can Well, firstly I’m a Daughter I’m a Sister that makes two Don’t forget I am a Grand Daughter To both Nan and Granddad too I’m an Aunt to my two brother’s...
The Veteran
Look ‘at’ me not ‘through’ me in the doorway: I’m not just a derelict wrecked on the shoals of Life But a Veteran: of the Falklands, Bosnia, or the Gulf. Only a fellow soldier can understand The Fear, Pain, Exhilaration, Terror that Combat brings. Despair assails you,...
The Shoplifter
Since I was a “Special” some years ago A story has stayed on my mind When we were called to a shout, my mate and me And wondered what we would find The call came over the Radio For the 2 of us to attend At the local branch of M & S A “Shoplifter” to apprehend We were...
The Hunters Stars
Every time I look at a cloudless night sky, A group of stars always catch my eye, Everyone knows that constellation well, And it even shines over the gates of hell. When I was there feeling quite alone, I knew those stars also shone over my home, And as I stand there...
New Life
We know that it comes but once a year, With presents, mince pies and of course a beer. The happiest times can be the worst, Like a nagging pain, an unquenchable thirst. In the past, sometimes a sad time of year, Friends missing, that glaringly, should have been here,...
New Years Eve
It's new years eve No party's here No singing or dancing No flowing beer And as I lay here in my pit I think about my wife and kids Check the web to see if it's live But not tonight, we have MINIMISE Some may complain But most understand Outside the wire Lays a...
This God is an Iron
This God is an Iron looking out at you While you smoke that cigarette Contemplate the candidates Telling you they'll catch the bogeyman More sweet lies on CNN They will give you all the oil in the world! As he laughs at the smile on your face. This God is an Iron! He...
Tacoma
You could slip aside after a broken dream It could happen to you or me Movin down in the city streets Sleepin on pieces of memories Your heroes give you money for somethin good to drink, you can pay them back on a better day you can sing to yourself as loud as ya want...
To Honor Them
As they walk up to the wall They stand very tall They have come to check on and honor the ones that did fall Some will break down and squall Some will stand and stare Others with the names on the wall, things they will share Others will touch the wall with great care...
Haunted by Haunting Eyes.
I was here but now I’m gone, And I hope that I won’t be gone for long, From the sweet embrace of your arms, And the warm touch of your palms. I had put my Bergen on my back, And walked past the gate at the end of the track, But before I went down that lane, I looked...
Keepsake
A single poppy braved Without surrender Dared to wave, despite Inclined petals clung To the core. Blow your seeds Across the fields And meadows Root afresh With pride. We were there All of us, Descendants Of Flanders Honouring our cenotaph. A straight pin Or sticky...
With or without?
Without sentiment there is no value Without trepidation there can be no fear Without deceit there is no truth Without cause there can be no meaning. With determination comes achievement With hope the spirit thrives With fewer words lives sincerity With controversy...
Grass
I feel the silkiness of its fleeting touch upon my bare exposed feet. My linen skirt swishing around my ankles just teasingly brushing its surface. A straw hat is perched upon my auburn hair a living connection to the earth. I place my chequered rug (as it invited me...
Dirty British soldier
Dirty British soldier with an SA 80 Running into contact on a dusty road, With a chestful of anxieties, Bravery, terror, Fear that in his service he might not grow old. Praying that his mates will give him back-up cover, Peering through his sights while kneeling in...
Santa is coming
Santa is coming His sleigh zooms through the snow He can hear all children sleeping below He will land on your roof With a slight bump As Rudolph the reindeer leads from the front He will look at his list he has to check twice To see if you have been naughty or nice...
Flag
What is a flag? Some pieces of rag, Some colours sewn all together; An ensign; a place to gather. What is a flag? Rolled cloth in a bag, A great ship’s battle ensign Or only a printed sign? What is a flag? In honour’s brag We stand and fight In pride and might. What...
What is a Soldier to Me?
What is a Soldier to Me? When I see a person in olive green In the street, or on a TV screen It takes me back to knights of old The feats of Agincourt years ago And then to Wellington’s brave band Who drove Napoleon from Spanish lands And thence on to both World Wars...
Frost
Shoulder to shoulder, stood blades of sharpened silver shrouded in the swirling mist silently waiting for the morning sun; to soften them.
God Bless All Our Soldiers
God bless thee all our soldiers Please do not be dismayed Remember we’ll support you Whilst you are far away You’re fighting against an evil power That somehow went astray O thank you for doing a great job A great job O thank you for going a great job To Iraq and...
I’m Here Cos I’m Not All There.
I’m Here Cos I’m Not All There, Is that why you always stare, It’s the reason why I always have a map, Laid out across my lap. I’m Here Cos I’m Not All There, And it doesn’t really seem fair, The needle of my compass spins, Trying to point to all my sins. I’m Here Cos...
Angels Song
The angel sat by the Christmas tree Awaiting the saviours birth He readied himself to praise the Lord And to hail the virgin birth He had practiced for eternity For this moment of great joy Like the other seraphim He would issue in the boy The boy whose life would...
Remember This
There will always be those who tell you That you should not But what do they do? Sit in their ivory towers Hiding behind twitching curtains Never living Always the ‘you shoulds’ Rather than the Pathfinders Always the ‘that’s to risky’ That never learn to fly Life...
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