Just Another Day
He stood quietly in the supermarket checkout queue
Observing the people with trolleys ahead of him.
The lady in front of him turned and said
You only have a few things my darling, you go before me.
As the landing craft approached the beach
The sound of rapid gunfire became louder.
The sergeant turned to him and said
You are the most experienced, go ahead of these boys.
He acknowledged her kindness with a smile and a thank you.
After unloading the few essential items he was purchasing,
He put the empty basket down and waited his turn;
The checkout lady welcomed him with the words Hello sweetheart.
The front ramp of the landing craft crashed into the water
The sergeant shouted Go lads, go go go.
He knew the water was deep so removed his backpack;
He held it as he jumped into the water with his rifle.
He carefully packed the six items he had purchased
Baked beans, porridge, eggs, pasta, onions, and milk.
Don’t forget your receipt the lady said,
You won’t get through the barrier without it.
He could see several of the boys struggling to stay afloat;
Their heavy back packs were dragging them down.
He turned his head and shouted Get to the beach and make for the barriers,
They will give you extra cover from the machine guns.
As he left the supermarket the security guard looked at him and nodded;
He acknowledged it with a smile and a return nod.
He walked across the car park to the bus stop.
It started to rain. He put on his cap and waited for the bus.