Veteran Code

Veterans helping veterans That’s how the code goes For there are certain things Only a fellow veteran knows. On the local radio news The newsreader had said A man was attacked And been found dead. He didn't wear specs yet A pair perched on his nose. I said good morning to him Why are you wearing those. He took them off muttering From a bloke I killed last night And before I could react He was gone out of sight, Away through the door. I thought how absurd I though that I really Must have misheard. Checked with Police Thought it best But they’d already Made a valid arrest. He came back that night Getting on for quite late, Said he couldn’t cope Was going to self immolate, Could he borrow money to Fill his empty petrol can, Just twenty four and a Four tour Afghan Veteran. We called the police who Spared him the Hell Of locking him up In a cold Police cell. Had him sectioned, Taken into proper care, Qualified people to Look after him there. He’s fully recovered now With a child and loving wife Seems to have settled down To a stable and normal life. If I see him these days He doesn’t greet or speak, Says I betrayed his trust That long ago fateful week. I was hurt at first But pleased we won For he’s still alive So good job done. Veterans helping veterans That’s how the code goes For there are certain things Only a fellow veteran knows