The visit
I came by your place for the first time today
To pay my respects and say ‘Hey!’,
I came in quietly to show my respect
Except- that is - for my intake of breath!
The audience of white faces row upon row
Still and expressionless in the suns halo,
Holding you safe is a piece of England
In this place -your adopted homeland,
Stone faces - hardened from the fight
Etched with lines - name- age - station - an emotional sight.
Where the lavender breeze blows
A blanket of beauty soothes as it grows,
Roses cover and support your frame
Leaves and petals caress your name,
Nature, your new mother, tucks you in
So far away from your kith and kin.
This floral splendour, your uniform of today
In stark contrast to the uniform worn
yesterday!
Where poisonous gas clouds blew
Where pain, despair and exhaustion grew,
Mud, blood and lice covered your frame
Rank and file, in battle , no face, no name!
Bullets, bombs and shells tucked you in
Death and destruction were no kith and kin.
I came by your place for the first time today
To pay my respects and say ‘Hey!’
I came in quietly to show my respect
Except- that is - for my intake of breath!
But I will visit again - if that’s okay?
And admire your beauty and bouquet,
I’ll come quietly and show my respect
Stand silently with you and reflect,
Today’s uniform - beauty in bloom
Yesterday’s uniform - creator of this tomb!
And I’ll thank you for my today and tomorrow
Because of your yesterday’s great sorrow.