Poems
Visions
The night again and you are there I must not miss the date Yet foreign skys do tantalise And rows of ' Barbe-bot ' that is fate Through war torn earth and vastliness Across an ancient sea Your love relays a million ways To night again and you are there Yet darkness...
My Big Brother
Why does my big brother Have to work so far from home? Why does he go for weeks on end? Leaving me all alone I know he is a soldier Who goes away to fight But when he goes I have bad dreams And I cannot sleep at night When he’s in these far off places I’m frightened...
Spithead
The full moon peeps from behind the clouds Painting silver ribbons over a glass-like sea Beneath the deep mauve sky of a velvet night The Solent rests at peace, so silently The pride of our navy guards our shores Battleships, destroyers, minesweepers too Alas, only...
A Sailor and the Sea
The navy was my dear Father’s life, And the sea was his rival and friend The wintry waters around the UK Would welcome him at each trips end Steel grey churning with white caps racing The tide crashed against the rocks ashore In daylight hours the screech of the sea...
The Sailors Angel
She is a very special angel sent down from God on high She only got her wings today and here’s the reason why God wanted to send a very precious gift from up above To cast the petals on the waters to show his tender love For all our sailors in the world who have been...
Too Many
Too many faces, too much heartache Far too many families left in pain Who is to blame? What is the reason? Once again our world has gone insane All of them young, with life before them Old wars, new wars, young people die It’s always been so, down through the ages The...
Leon
A good friend of mine, he lost a Son. A brave young man was he Fighting a war in a foreign land trying to set its people free. When a roadside bomb, as they passed by, exploded without warning Three lives were lost; three Mothers Sons, three more families in mourning...
My Town
Guns and knives are commonplace upon our streets today Respect for law and order has completely gone away. Robbery and violence is reported daily in the news So many problems all around, like gangs and drugs and booze. It seems there’s no deterrent now to stop this...
NICE?
Take care of yourself and don’t get sick, make sure that you’re not ill For if you don’t, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get medicine or pill. You may not receive the drugs you need, that might help to put you right It’s down to the whim of bureaucrats who like to...
Togetherness
As we strolled along the waters edge, waves lapped upon the sand We espied a glorious sunset as we walked together hand in hand A myriad of colours were reflected upon the surface of the sea It was a wondrous sight, a special time, a time for you and me. Our...
A Soldiers last thought
I snake along this soiled land my gun and photo in my hand i hear them closing my enemy its time to die this i see There is no escape for me today god is nearing he is on his way to take my hand and lead me home i am ready now for im not alone I never thought this day...
A present for Paula
Christmas is for giving I give to you my love Christmas is for loving I give to you my heart Christmas is for sharing My soul I share with you But most of all I give these words ' I Love You ! '
The Sun warms me
The sun warms me and I feel its warmth against my skin My eyes are shut tight but I can still sense the light I lie on the ground not moving or making a sound I hear the bird’s way up in the sky Watching them as they drift on by They sing their songs as other birds...
Believe It.
If you have been there you’ll know what I say, When I talk about the Iraqi way, For the rest it might be a surprise, And might think it all lies. At night it’s hard to see, Cos there’s rarely any electricity, All the cables are intermingled, So candles are often...
For All Mothers
For all Mothers who stand at school gates and stare At my children with poppies showing they care. "Why aren't yours?" I ask, knowing the reply. "What's the point?" they say, rolling eyes to the sky. I try to explain, but it falls on deaf ears, "Why should we, after...
Sonnet: Nell
Shall I, next month, stand beside the wet earth As they lower you into a cold hearth? Shall I weep as dirt thuds on your coffin And, as they throw their muddy handfuls in, Shall I remember the many before, As they stood and fired salutes by the score? In those...
Son of Mine
Here I lie, crying, in my warm comfy bed For my Son is cold, and lays with the dead My arms are empty; my soul mate is gone I silently scream, “Look what you’ve done!” He was my world, my only one He was just a boy, my pride and joy These unfortunate boys are...
Good is Good
Good is Good, it does not need, To be seen through the lens of Creed. And Heresy’s an ugly word, When used to protect the absurd. The worth of a man is measured by The deed he does with head held high; The knowledge that his work is just; And worthy of another’s...
Who Cares?
Forgotten and lonely sat home all alone No one will visit and no one will phone. Does anyone know or does anyone care? Frail pensioner neighbours sitting there They’ve worked all their lives and paid their way Saved a few bob so that maybe one day, In their twilight...
An Illegal War
“It’s not our war” I hear you say “None of our business we should keep away. Bring our troops home to their Father and Mother What’s it to us foreigners killing each other”? “It’s not our country, why should we care? Most important is here not over there. Keep to our...
Don’t Label Me
You may say that I am overweight; you may even call me fat You’d only be telling me the truth, but do you think I don’t know that? I’m overweight; I am an extra large; and I know my girths increased I could be plump or rotund; one of many names, but don’t call me...
Carnage is all around
Carnage is all around Death has walked upon this battle ground Taking away their final breath Don’t look into the face of death The wounded wail For death he will not fail He will pick up your soul And take you down below The fiery entrance spews out heat As death...
Armistice Day
It’s 11 am on Armistice Day A truly reverent scene Row upon row of yesterday’s Soldiers Veterans now but just as keen As they answered the call as young men & Women To fight for the right to be free From the possible threat of Dictators Stealing their country’s...
Drifting in dreams
Do you recall the words we'd say The times we'd fall in mutual adoration If love is merely need You must have dearly needed me Now in my heart those words will stay To shape my life with pained exasperation I pledged my heart and soul No sycophantic symphony You said...
I will never give in
Lying here in my hospital bed Thoughts of mischief run through my head Wouldn’t it be fun to run amok? Through the hospital ward in my theatre frock There I’d be with my ass hanging out Whooping and singing and dancing about The other patients would clap and cheer And...
For My Gorgeous Soldier
As I lay in the dark, in the warmth of my bed Thoughts of my man drift into my head I reach out my hand, touch the curve of his face I see his sweet smile, feel my heart start to race He makes me so happy, I feel so loved too Without him to love me don’t know what I’d...
White Poppy Stained.
One by one the red petals fall, In there place a cross stands tall, A name carved on the front, And reading it brings a tearful lump. “Here lies a soldier unknown, Who gave his life for a land of stone, He rushed the guns on that fateful day, And with his life he did...
Please, Remember!
War is war; is war; is war, No matter where or what it’s for. For those who battled, those who died, Did so for more than country’s pride. They did it for the rights of others; Kinfolk, strangers, children, mothers. They fight to keep darkness at bay, That may engulf...
Poppy
A child asked me ‘Why? Why wear this flower Of times gone by Its over isn’t it? Why should we care For it’s not out problem Here or there Its over! Its over! My eyes grew misty I tried not to cry For I realised patriotism had died And I had to raise it from the dead...
Choice
When all else fails Know this We have a choice Even in the depths of desolation Of despair or loss This light is still waiting Calling Waving Trying to get our attention We can fall or fly Live or die But always we choose Fear not For the choice is not permanent God,...
Stillness Speaks
Words whispered on a warm breeze As the raven caws in the sky “Listen! Listen!” he cries Butterflies radiate in iridescent rainbows As leaves rustle in the morning air Hedgehogs crunch about their day Snuffling, searching, scavenging Always searching for what lies...
I Stood I Saw I Wept
As I drift peacefully off to sleep I find myself being lifted into space My spirit floating over land and sea To a far off sandy place In this place I see young men Who should be fresh and full of life Battle scarred and hardened From the troubles which are rife Here...
The Teacher
The teacher groans, another day of stunned indifference slips away. Bored children rush the classroom door as if to flee this crushing chore! She turns and cleans the detritus of young minds' fight with calculus from the board behind the chair and shakes her head with...
Just Another Day
My alarm clock rings in the depth of my dreams The noise far away or so it seems Before opening my eyes I reach out for you To cuddle you close as I always do But you are not there, you’ve gone far away I remember this at the start of each day I stretch and I yawn as...
D – Day plus One
No words can repay our debt to them, Lost in raging Foam Across the sea on foreign land and far away from home Their memories last for ever more, on now resplendent beach Our Hearts go out to everyone, with loved ones out of reach Occupied land they had to free, for...
I stood there solemn staring at the ground
I stood there solemn staring at the ground Whilst all around there was no sound For two minutes we stand still and all are quiet I think of those who are long gone No longer able to sing their song For they have gone before their time They laid down their lives so I...
Home Support
No time for Fire works with Loud report The Busy staff of “Home Support” Out and about in the “Early Hours” For Clients Baths & Clients Showers Support for homes, near and far Travelling miles in private car Ring the Office to open the door Fearing someone on the...
TIME FOR A CHAT!!
Dear Lord, do you have a few moments to spare? Could we have a chat, may i pull up a chair. Would i like a drink? Oh Thanks, water is fine but i don't want to take up too much of your time. I'm really perplexed and a little bit miffed about some of the things i was...
Little Mozzie.
Little mosquito, how much you bug me so, The way you buzz in my ear refusing to go, Are you wise in knowledge that I am not, As you buzz around the candle pot. You annoy me to the core of my being, It’s my blood that your always seeing, Your wings flap in your general...
Summer Rest in Winter.
Stepping off the plane from the sun, Teeth chattering away, The lad in front exclaims a wild pun, Wishing secretly we could stay. From hot desert to freezing blighty, Forever in winters chill, The difference is not felt lightly, Warm up! Arms revolving like a mill....
The Royal Corps.
The Royal Corps is our name, And sending signals is our game, Every conflict that you see, Is a part of our proud history. In every camp, in every town, Is our backyard, our own playground, We send along The Boss’s orders, To transmit across the boarders. If you’re...
Their Sacrifice for our Freedom
Their sacrifice for our freedom Has that message been lost? On a new generation who don’t give a toss Young men and women go of to war For many people they abhor Who really wants to fight this bloody war? But what about our soldiers Who have laid down their lives?...
Waitin’ A Memorial Day poem
When ya comin’ home dad? I’m waitin’ by the door mommy says you’re far away fightin’ in a war. I guess one day I’ll understand but now I don’t know why there’s pictures on the TV news says another soldier’s died I’m bein’ a brave little soldier dad jus’ like you asked...
Believe
Believe you can run the fastest races… And Faith will accompany you, To speed you on your course. Believe you can go the furthest distances… And Miles will become Inches, To shorten your journey. Believe you can ascend to the highest heights… And Mountains will lay...
Memories with Pride.
How many times have you sat and prayed, While the child inside you runs and plays? Clenched knuckles white with fear, As fading memories you held so dear, Thoughts match a broken body of scars, That nearly fell to the place of stars, Old and weary from the past,...
We Are The Ones…
We are the ones, who are proud, The silent ones that don’t make a sound, Like ghosts we flicker from the shadows, The shiver that shoots down your marrows. We are the ones without burning hate, The professional ones that are never late, Either in ice or the desert...
World war 1
I’m stuck in the trenches, There’s mud in my shoe, There are lice in my pants and the rats ate the stew. My friends are moaning, The sergeant is shouting, I am so homesick I would run up a mountain. It’s getting harder, My mates are crying, I have been hit, Now I am...
Trees
Time to Swallow a Bitter Pill They have downed the trees near Spital Hill Lovely trees along the ridge Either side of Railway Bridge Autumn Gold, Colour of the past All chopped down to the last Vision now clear, All is Fine No fallen leaves on Railway line Look for...
Grandson
A tall but quite teenage boy, typical kind of sloth Growing up in expanding world, he may become a toff Idle hands no need to work or help around the house Night time creeping, scares his mum, as if he were a mouse Part job he replies. Yes at a garden centre If only...
INCOMING
Another familiar day turns to night, another day closer to the homeward bound flight. Servicemen move around, each lost in own thoughts, some dressed for battle, some wear nothing but shorts. Incoming! The siren wails with its chilling sound, like puppets, strings...
RESTORED AND ADORED
In the back of a Barn cold and dark, behind an old Chevy without a spark sat an old Harley Bike covered in dust, Sadly, much of the frame had been eaten by rust. For 30 odd Years they'd sat in that place with spiders and cobwebs reducing their space, the tyres and...
A Soldier of the Queen
I met Peter yesterday In Brighton on our D Day His news shocked me to the core About the cost of the Falklands War Not the money, but the important thing Is the human cost: the result that war brings Over 300 men took committed suicide! Those men could have still been...
This Poppy
This Poppy fell for my father it does so every year and with it comes the heartache and many red hot tears Shed for those who won’t come home the ones who died out there alone This Poppy falls in remembrance, it’s impossible to say how much we owe to those who fell...
POLISH
Polish floor, polish bed frame, polish glass, Polish belt, polish edges, polish brass. Polish, polish, polish, or he’ll kick our bleedin’ arse. Polish door, polish frame, polish flap, Polish badge, polish peak, polish strap Polish, polish, polish, or he’ll have us in...
Fast Shower
In a Hurry to watch the box, rushing from the shower Did the splits upon the floor, could have lain there for an hour 999 was never rung, by Niece with long blonde hair Hobbled to the car some how leaning on a chair A & E was visited regardless of this verse Seen it...
The National Serviceman
World War 2 was long over The Opressors threat was past But still mandatory for National Servicemen To join a Military Force so vast Occupations they’re forced to leave Where they’d worked since they were boys Conscripted to Military Service And they were given no...
Its Halloween the time to scream
Its Halloween the time to scream Ghosts and Monsters will haunt you as you dream No one is safe not even the queen The Ghosts will ruffle your hair As they fly through the air They will blow on your cheek Just to make you shriek You lie in your bed and start to shake...
LOOKING FORWARD
Keen to survive the last attack, don’t want my name etched on a plaque: “in memory of those who fell in Iraq” I don’t want a coffin to carry me back. Go home to all those that I hold dear. Relax, and enjoy having nothing to fear. Forget all the hardship and hold loved...
The final inspection
The soldier stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now soldier, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To my Church have you been true?" The...
I am the Child
I am the child who sits all day, looking out of the window in dismay. I am the child who rarely sleeps, waiting for morning when in it creeps. I am the child who loves all things red, my clothes, walls, even my bed. I am the child who has to categorize, my red shiny...
Twisty socks and bendy pants
Twisty socks and bendy pants, they make you cross they make you rant. I’ve scoured the shops and searched the racks, in and out the same old tracks. The lady in Woolworths thinks I’m dotty, the guy in Adams thinks I’m potty. I look and look and search some more! YES!...
The Elderly in revolt
The Politician on the Telly demanding plans for the Millinie, The old man dozing, smiling and posing, Oh we have, yes we have, we’ve planned and schemed. The things we will do, things of which you cannot have dreamed. Our friends from the North down the M1 streaming....
I am the Grim Reaper
I am the grim reaper There are souls to be had It doesn’t matter if you have been good or bad For your time has come The grim reaper he visits everyone With a touch of my hand You will leave this land For I have taken your breath No one survives a touch from death As...
Fight for Christmas
It’s been a year to the day, But I feel so alone and far away, From snow and stockings on your mantle, My boots are filled with sand to my ankle. They say it’s that time on the news, But we’re still wearing helmets on the loose, Your decorations are a’hangin, But...
Forgotten Honour
The honour has left the spire, Of the nation that was proud to be, The island of the golden empire, From shore to wondrous sea. There is no one left who knows it, No on has that sweet taste, For it has fallen into the pit, And has cracked and crumpled into waste. The...
His last parade
The weight of him on our shoulders, The faint whiff of gunpowder smoulders, It’s almost as if my lead bearing heart, Would stop with this solemn task. We step in, out, in, out, in, out, These timings are not a shout, To the tune of the bagpipes playing, To attention...
The Judas Kiss
They came on a cold February day Seeking refuge in a place they called home Fearing for their lives Swapping the dangerous Indian heat For the ice cold streets of Liverpool. One man and his wife arriving Trusting and believing: two innocent children With a toddler and...
The fallen kindly wait
Should I expire on foreign soil mourn for me you must not. First recall all else who fell lest they be forgot. I’ll weep for those I leave behind but don’t you weep for me for I’ll have joined my brethren and be in good company. In service of their country all of...
Our Dad
Just a few words About our dad To let you know He’s not that bad He likes his footy Well generally sport To be a team player Is what he’s taught Myself, my sister And brothers too Plus all his grandkids To name a few With children round He’s always happy Apart from...
Shot at dawn
Why did you wait for the day to break For God’s light to fill the sky Before you placed a blindfold on his head And ordered him to die Did you witness the sheer terror In the eyes of my only son Did you listen to his heartbeat As you loaded up that gun His mind was...
Those who serve us today
It is the year of our Lord 2008 Many souls have passed Through that battlefield gate We must never forget That on some far distant shore Good men are still fighting Against all we abhor As I look out the window On this cold, winter’s night Someone’s husband or son Is...
Gone not forgotten on Remembrance day
I was not there so I did not see the Horrors of War, lack of Humanity, though I did not suffer I will bow my head on Remembrance Day and pay my respects. To the Men and the Women who fought in the Wars to the people who suffered to fight for a cause, for Freedom, for...
Weekend shirt
The name we gave our polo shirts, would really make you smile We never had to wash them, till they’d done a thousand mile We used them for our weekend leave to near or even far We used them when we travelled on leave, by train or even car The tannoy used to broadcast...
A Mother’s diary
February… the countdown to the tour has begun Off to Colchester we go To see a presentation of my son’s next tour Expertly given by 2 Para Company’s CO* As I stood and looked at these brave young men I fought to hold back my tears Seeing my son with his band of...
Royal British Legion
It’s Armistice Day in November And Memories don’t seem to fade Time once more for Remembrance And the Royal British Legion Parade With their heads held high and shoulders back There’s a hint of sadness in their eyes Still smart are these “Yesterday Soldiers” Tho’ they...
Remembrance
The sound of a Merlin in the night, The scent of a rose at dawn, The glow of a daughter at noon. These things are beauty, These things are life, But die we must. Our life is a trust, Given at birth not to squander, But to live as best we can. Our only reward is...
Memories
When I was asked my Memory to jolt And write of something past My pen to paper quickly put And words came think and fast Though phrases and words They simple might be Through the eyes of a six year old child I see peace is shattered War's declared To fight the enemy...
Motorway Madness
Miles of concrete three lanes wide Spreadeagled right across The British countryside Mile after mile of cars in a row Where are they going no-one seems to know Articulated Lorries and vans by the score One or two drivers breaking the Law Staring through the screen...
Comrades
How blessed are we With eyes that can see The beauty that is England Amidst it’s lush, green rolling hills Where battles lost and won Such heavy pride within my heart To have lived here as her son We walk together now in Heaven’s land As we walked here on the Earth...
Remembrance day
NO GREATER LOVE HATH ANY MAN THAN TO GIVE HIS LIFE FOR ME ON THIS DAY I WILL REMEMBER TO BE GLAD THAT I AM FREE TO WALK THE FIELDS AND MEADOWS WITHOUT A WORRY OR A CARE SENDING OUT MY THOUGHTS TO YOU IN GRATITUDE AND PRAYER MAN’S FREEDOM IS A PRECIOUS GIFT BUT COMES...
The VCP
The Irish Border lay ahead A half mile to the south ‘ Bandit Country ‘ this was named Passed on by word of mouth Our job to stop the smuggling Of ‘ Arms ‘ from The Republic Arms used by The IRA To kill and maim the public This was a dry, but frosty night A full moon...
The Redundant Shed
My roof is leaking badly My floor is soaking through My wooden boards that used to lap Are warping, long since new My only view out to the World Through windows once so clear Is now obscured by the grime And ' Slugs ' that climb so queer I've heard that they're...
Pitter patter
As I turned my head from a Sun kissed Sky Would the weather today stay this way Or is the Barometer falling Will we have rain back once more today I glanced again across the room As the Silver clouds go scudding by Acting like a shutter to the Golden rays The blue has...
The things we do for our kids
Do you think our children, Ever stop and think about, Everything we do for them, So they don’t do without? Think of all the birthday parties They have throughout the years All those hyperactive kids Screaming round your ears What about their best friends Who always...
Just for you
Chris you are my world My soul mate for life And on 3rd August 1985 I was proud to become your wife You came into my life a stranger Became my lover and my friend When we married we became as one United ‘til the end We’ve been through so many things Throughout these...
All Hallows Eve
On All Hallows Eve the dead shall rise To walk freely amongst the living Reaping revenge on all mankind Being ruthless and unforgiving Doors will creak, windows will slam Things will go bump in the night All the children who go trick or treating Are sure to get a big...
The Arrangement
His fingers caught in the tresses of her hair As he whirled her - high in the dance His dark - deep set eyes held possessiveness The intensity - of her eyes - flashed defiance. He would not be denied She would not be promised. As the music lifted – his arm, Tightened...
What a waste
As I stand here and look into this dead man's face I don't know what led me to this place I set and hold him in my arms He has suffered one of life's greatest harms He was killed over just a dollar And in this alley, no one even heard him holler To most everyone he...
Portent
Deep sense of foreboding, an irrational dread, they’ll be coming tonight as I lay in my bed. There’s no logic or reason for thinking it’s so yet convinced I remain, it will happen. I know. Like so often before I stay prone in the gloom, restless, considering my...
I Serve
No matter how much frustration there is, fear, trepidation, anxiety or unease. Despite all the hardship. Adversity aside, as long as I wear uniform I endure all with pride. For service and loyalty are what matter to me, honour, courage, respect and integrity are the...
In the Darkness
In the darkness You slump against me Shoulders of a hero tense... I try to undo the knots of war In the darkness The rifle crack fades to a mind's echo Battlecries blown distant on this sultry summer's night Your past, a shared future, war. In the darkness The sweat...
Through the mist
Through the mist The haunting sound of the pipes can be heard It drifts out over the battle ground To the Scots it is a wondrous sound It stirs the heart and helps hide the fear For these brave Scots know the enemy is near They hold their rifles with bayonets fixed...
Victory
Rows of names gouged from granite Stand erect in faraway places However poignant the reminder, Continue to fight oppression. Tattered and torn flags Denote smoke-damaged ownership On broken poles Half hidden amongst rubble. Adorned wooden crosses, Stars and other...
The Colour Of War
The colour of war is bloody red Surrender is white Thousands dead In the name of Peace, fight. Yellow belongs to cowards Stale blood, rustingly brown Young Green Howards’ Orange flames burn down. Green patch-worked fields A wasted existence As abandoned yields Brave...
El Alamein
When I sit alone and close my eyes Perhaps think of things long past It is then I often visualise How life has flown by so fast My memory now is of a story On which I will now recollect A tale that was passed on many years ago By a late friend, ex Soldier, I still...
The Enemy
He’s the soldier who disturbs my sleep. The enemy I killed and for whom I weep. We met in his trench that mad, mad night And clashed, in a desperate, dreadful fight. I’d seen my friend, his legs scythed off By the heavy machine gun’s vicious cough And knowing not what...
Long Lost Tears
I held the rabbit in my arms today and cuddled it as it was put to sleep He looked so peaceful, no more pain. As I stroked him I started to weep. In years gone by I had been to war, killed, and seen friends die Yet I stood there with tears running down my face, why,oh...
The Poppy
The poppy is the colour red As it stands in the flower bed The poppy represents the war And wounded soldiers that lay on the floor Wear me and remember me All the poppy’s growing free All the soldiers with bravery As they march one two three.
PTSD 2
Parental Guidance Of right and wrong Of strength and unity Of values and truth Of pride and humility Of trust and love Of saying goodbye. Training Of loyalty and support Of boozing and brotherhood Of cunning and guile Of discipline and stoicism Of killing and maiming...
Alarm Aircraft!!!
Alarm aircraft! The shout went up They came in low and fast Crossing over Fanning Head In seconds they had passed We open fire our thoughts a blur And try to take them down From Antelope a Seacat’s launched One plummets to the ground Morale is high, up goes a cheer No...
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