Neville

War is Not for Lovers

War is Not for Lovers

 

Over the top my beautiful boys

The sergeant major cried

Think of your mother, your sweetheart

And remember them

When thunder cracks around your head

And fear burns your insides

 

And Tommy did

He remembered her hand

In desperation, a talon

Crushing, clinging to his wrist

Cold as the ever stabbing wind

 

He remembered her eyes

Once beautiful and full of life

Frightened now and tired

Like those of some caged wild animal

 

He remembered how

Twelve months ago

He had held her in his arms

And kissed away a single tear

As the engine whistle blew

Be brave he said

I love you

And think of me till I return

And lay down by your side

War is not for lovers

The station master cried

 

A moment later, the front line

Fell in unison

As if precision timed

A piece of jagged metal sang

A private groaned

And blood and mud entwined

War is not for lovers

The sergeant major cried