Wednesday 9 February 2011
The Seven
I wrote this poem in 2011 and forgot to post it, it is about the men and women who repatriate servicemen who have died on operations.
The Seven
The blades spin to a stop.
The ramp is lowered.
Immaculate, the seven march forward.
Minutes pass.
Solemnly the seven emerge,
bringing their comrade home.
Hands rest on the shoulders
bearing the casket
offering hidden comfort.
For these brave men
bring a comrade home
draped in a Union Flag.
As eight they served together
deep friendships forged in fire
like brothers; but unrelated.
Grim faces hide churning emotions.
Tears may flow, but not now,
for this is not the time.
The slow-march ends.
Their comrade is lowered and
passed into the waiting hearse.
A bugle sounds.
Their friend is borne away
leaving the seven behind.
They’re left to face the demons
of loss and guilt and fear,
duty over; it’s time to share a beer.
John Carré Buchanan
14 January 2011
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A poignant tribute. I can see and feel it.
ReplyDeleteHi Colleen, Thank you very much for your kind comment.
DeleteI like your poem very much. But for me, the first two stanzas say it all, the rest are flowers in the field.
ReplyDeleteThank you Annell, I understand where you are coming from. I am glad you liked the poem.
DeleteThis is very nice tribute,very emotional
ReplyDeleteHi Monika, thank you for your kind comment.
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