Playing Cards In Church
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I had been on a long hike with my men from Juno to the Ardennes
on the way my comrade lost a leg and my Mother had passed away
when I had sailed the Atlantic to Uk shores
But please don't court martial me
Mentally, I had my own war within and without there in the Ardennes
Carcuses of men black burned in half and smouldering
at every turn a panser tank could jump a hedge and crush
But please don't court martial me
Trapped in a compound a village with refugees between
the German's and our position and all we slaughtered
and we walked on by guns slung in shame and on to Germany
Please don't court martial me
We marched on and on a quiet calm of trumping feet
our boots 10 feet apart in the mid day fog and then a village
wrecked and shot to the ground with shell but no one to be seen
Please don't court martial me
The padre calls out and orders us to rest in the church still mostly intact
A service is called and we come to attention men in this Godly place
I place a deck of cards across the bench in front and mutter to myself
Please don't court maritial
A lieutenent charges over.Why are you playing cards in church soldier.
Sir, I have no bible and see the Ace as but one God the two is the two testaments
the three as three wise men.The four is the gospels, the Knave as Joseph, the Queen as Mary, And on.
Please don't court martial me.
Copyright © Ian Foley | Year Posted 2011
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