How Long Is Too Long?

I was invited to write a poem for Armistice last year. I started it and never got to complete it. So I missed the publishing deadline. Today I found the file on my computer and took a few minutes to edit and complete it. So you are the lucky people who get to read it. Hope you like it.

How Long Is Too Long?

He grew up in the cadets...

He had a sharp brain and physically fit,

Always aiming to be the first to hit the net,

Throw himself over the wall or jump the pit.

He worked hard at school,

And got a sponsorship for University

One of the lads playing the fool,

But he also knew about responsibility.

Fast tracked to be an officer,

He looked mighty fine on parade,

He knew how to get the respect of the men

And true friendships were easily made.

A few tours to Ireland,

And two tours to Afghanistan,

He had seen warfare first hand

But on his return, he was a different man.

Although there was no physical wound,

He had seen some good men fall

Innocent families lives torn to bits

And he wondered was it all worth it.

There was no heroes welcome,

Just a “glad you are home”.

Somehow his eyes had lost some sparkle

Because of all the debacle.

Although time passes

And memories can also fade

We should never forget our lads and lassies

Or down play the Armistice parade.

Patricia Ann Ward 7/3/12