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War stalks me
It comes to me every day.
Crushing images consume my mind.
I tremble, silent screams fill my mind
I’m there
Each bullet engraved with the name of a friend.
Today, tomorrow
One will bear my name
I long for hearth and home,
Before that time draws near.
The war it is over they say
It stalks me
Dead faces,
Walk through my grieving soul.
My senses trick me,
Am I here or there still?
Sometimes it’s remembered
Booming gunfire bombing shells
Faceless men
Marching feet
Legless beggars in the street
Vacant faces
Whiskey foul breath
Who can blame them?
They have seen,
The Devil’s hand,
Shred men limb by limb
They fear for their immortal souls
And the strident cries
“No more war.”
Flag draped coffins
Raised high in glory
Piper’s last lamented story.
With heavy hearts and halting strides
Borne to final resting ground
Some days I wish that it was I
No more…the war is over its said
Until the next time I say
It’s there … Stalking…waiting…patiently
Gemma Hill
updated June 2024
Carefully, we walk the invisible line
Certain places and times
We avidly avoid
Don’t say that
Don’t mention that there
Today I am William Tomorrow I’m Liam
Depending on the area, street or lane
We share a lot you and I
We bandage our wounded
We tend to our dead
We allow other people to speak in our name
Until we are riddled with
With rumour and fear
Don’t ever forget where
We have been
And say “not in my name”
We’re not going back there again
writeyouwriteme 