As the Soldiers marched past proudly
Beneath the clear blue sky
Arms locked out, Thumbs pressed down
Arms swinging shoulder high
A cheering crowd had lined the route
As they often had before
To welcome back young heroes
Who had been away at war
They saw the crowds all cheering
And saw still in their mind
The death and devastation
Of the place they left behind
But with their mates they banter
About the things they have seen
And wonder if things had all gone differently
What actually might have been
What if that Land mine was not there
What if the Mortar had just missed
There would be one more at the bar,
Sat with us getting pissed
But time moves on and in the end
They end up out in Civvy street
Change uniform for casual clothes
And trainers on their feet
And even tho years go by
And the Army is left behind
Sometimes you're right back in the fight
Within your TROUBLED MIND
I was a Soldier
I was a soldier many years ago,
How time flies, where did it go.
To many places I was deployed,
Never too long before I was sent,
To fix things electrical was my bent.
I saw no action, that's how it was to be.
No matter where I was,no medals for me
I signed up to serve, wherever I was sent.
Invalided out, from FARELF I came,
No hero's welcome, just a whole lot of pain.
Didn't want Civvy life, thought it was a drag.
I guess it had the edge on a body bag.
I see guys coming home, leaving limbs behind,
A struggle to get help for their case do they find.
I see a disgrace on this government today,
They sent our best to fight in lands far away.
Our young fought and died in some foreign affray,
When you see them homeless,out on the street,
Let your heart go out to them as you hear them cry.
Because there but for fortune, go you or go I.
© Dave Timperley May 2016