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Old Mates

Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2014 7:05 am
by Rod Walford
Old Mates


© Rod Walford 2014


He wasn't much to look at as he stood there by the rail
Beside the towering cenotaph he looked quite small and frail
But as his gaze upon the names engraved before him fell
It was as if he'd heard the chimes of some far distant bell.

He rose to full attention as his old eyes filled with tears
His back was straight, his stature proud as 'twas in former years
The echoes of his mind recalled a face to every name
Each one a mate he'd left behind who'd not return again.

Yet every year at this same dawn, he'd visit with them here
And in his mind they'd have a yarn, a joke, a laugh, a beer
And for a fleeting time it was a great and glorious thing
To turn life's long cold winter back into its former spring.

But far too soon it all comes back - the shock, the hellish noise
The guns, the shells, the blood, the screams, the bodies of the boys
How he survived he never knew, so many pals he’d lost
So great a sacrifice they made - and well he knows the cost.

Then slowly comes a knowing smile that fronts a silent prayer
That one day soon he'll join them in their great Eternal care
So proudly now he stands before the cenotaph today
And gives one last salute - before he turns and walks away.

Re: Old Mates

Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 9:01 am
by alongtimegone
Just great Rod. And such beautiful lines. To turn life's long cold winter back into its former spring. Love it.
Wazza

Re: Old Mates

Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 3:27 pm
by Maureen K Clifford
Agree with Wazza - Very nicely done Rod

Re: Old Mates

Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 5:00 pm
by Catherine Lee
I'm with Maureen and Wazza - this is another beautiful piece of work Rod x