Remembrance Day

They jumped into my plane at dawn
We flew into the sky
They were so young, so brave, naive
Did not think they’d die

Just a little further
As we looked into the sun
But out of nowhere shots began
We couldn’t even run

Flaming bullets speeding by
Too fast to make a sound
They hit the wing, once, twice, three times
We sped towards the ground

I landed safely on the ground
By cover of the trees
Green and brown blent our disguise
Into the scenery

We stepped out onto grassy land
Muddy, hard and cold
Then my boys faced their predecessors
Faces weary and old

Their skin was grey and pasty-like
They smelt of must and flies
But most terrifying of all
Was the look held in their eyes

None were standing properly
None were free and famed
Every single one of them
Was leaving this place maimed

They used to be happy-go-lucky
Just as naive and raw
They once were green and brown, alive
But no, not anymore

My boys stared in horror
As they watched the replacements pass
Shuddering they saw themselves
The deja vu watch glass

Sometimes when I’m home alone
And read a story of war
I cannot help but think of them
Their gallant pride galore

War poems portray all these men
As heroes, strong and fit
Who died for a noble cause
But where’s the point of it?

War is ugly, brutal, harsh
And no one else seems proud
These men were scared, alone, afraid
As they’d all avowed

And whenever I remember
All these brave young men
I think of the brutality
That was bestowed on them

Rest In Peace
xx