The Soldiers War

THE SOLDIERS’ WAR (A tribute) The burning sand, the scorching sun In the distance the sound of a gun. Slow moving vehicles crawl at snails pace Heading gingerly towards some safe place. Far from home, in the blistering heat They head towards camp and a safe place to eat. Next they hear a thunderous roar, Jump from the jeep and lie on the floor. Hearts pumping quickly, but thank God still alive, Do a quick head count, there’s four; should be five. A bullet riddled body lies a few yards ahead, Is he still breathing or is he now dead? Mortars and gunfire and plenty of strafe, Is anywhere in this God forsaken country safe? They cannot desert their colleague and mate He must be rescued even if it’s too late. The shells whiz by them, bullets overhead Better move quickly or they’ll all soon be dead. Covering each other to fight off the Taliban. Fantastic, great team work, they’ve rescued their man. Blast on the radio, a chopper’s on its way To carry our five heroes to hospital, safely away. They are always putting their lives on the line To make war torn places safe for all time. Now to all our brave men and women we salute you You just get sent out to a war zone and do what you have to When you joined up you knew you may have to fight wars And perhaps lose your lives for a good or bad cause. You knew when you enlisted the risks there could be But someone has to do it and I’m glad it’s not me. When you swore your allegiance; you made your own choice. But please come back home safely, so we all can rejoice. c. Barbara Brewin 1st July 2008