I was not just enshrined in black and white trained to react to a whistle and launch myself over the top I didn’t just stare at No Man’s Land jumping at every falling leaf nerves shot to pieces, trembling with fear I was not just shipped hastily to Europe attempting to aid our Allies in facing down the Nazi machine I was not just despatched to the Mediterranean sand-whipped and sweating to fight in a theatre far flung from home I am not a romantic notion of old boys and idealism telling war stories of camaraderie I am not decades past. I am the young man hobbling down the street I am the hands held out for a bit of spare change I am the woman bound to a wheelchair I am the mental health patient facing down the day I am sitting next to you on the bus. I am here. Remember, I am here.
****
I first wrote this poem for Remembrance Day last November, but I noticed that Monday 12th May 2014 marks 95 years since an amazing UK charity, Combat Stress, has been helping armed forces veterans overcome mental illness. I (or Freya’s real-life, living, breathing, alter-ego) will be making a donation to this charity, because it is vitally important that their work continues. In World War One, some soldiers were put on trial, even executed, for desertion and cowardice when exhibiting symptoms of shell shock, or what we now know to be PTSD. People who volunteer their lives for us should be given all the help they can get. I hope you will spread the word.
Discover me, writing as fast as the words come to mind
My pen is my sword, I’ll use it to fight.
Discover me.
Unravel me.
Reveal me.
There just might be more to me than you think.
———-
Hurrah! It’s the monthly fun that is dVerse Open Link, and the bar is open! Beth is tending bar today – she’s new, so be kind, and don’t tut, roll your eyes or indicate any other expressions of impatience as she learns where all the special beers and ales are kept.
This monthly get together has no theme, it is purely for us poets to offer up our creations and revel in all the offerings laid out before us. Why not join in, either be reading and commenting, or even by putting your work on show too? We don’t bite!
My offering is partially inspired by the inner life of a solitary writer, mixed up with influences from recent family history talk and many wonderful photos I was lucky enough to see last weekend, en famille.
Here’s my long-overdue return to dVerse Meeting the Bar. This week, Gay is asking us to write a song! Now that’s a poetry form that brings back strong memories for me – I immediately thought of my mum singing along to Steeleye Span’s ‘All Around My Hat’ as she did the housework, and being taken to a Chieftans’ concert (and falling asleep – aaah, I was only very young!). Folk music is something that my family really enjoys – there is even morris dancing going on too (my mum again, with my step-dad playing an important musical role too).
Suffice to say, I’m a fan of the old folksy ballad, singing of love, loss, pride and passion. So, here’s my attempt… It’s inspired by the centenary year of the Great War – the War to End All Wars (if only). It’s simple, yet I hope it works.
Do visit the other poets who take part in this wonderful community… you’re in for a treat! And do let me know what you think of my song.
*****
– My Man Joe –
My sweetheart Joe is big and strong With a twinkling eye and a ready smile He works on the railways all week long Just to buy me a posy on a Friday
(chorus) I’ll always be with you, I’ll always be true I’ll stand by your side, forever be true
My fiancé Joe cuts a fine dash Driving his engine through the valleys He collects his wages and gives me cash Just to buy me a dress for our wedding
(chorus) I’ll always be with you, I’ll always be true I’ll stand by your side, forever be true
My husband Joe is a fine, proud dad He plays with his boys on a Sunday He sings in church, gives thanks and is glad For his family, luck and fortune
(chorus) I’ll always be with you, I’ll always be true I’ll stand by your side, forever be true
My soldier Joe walks proud and tall Marching away to the trenches God bless my man! God bless them all! Please let him come back safely
(chorus) I’ll always be with you, I’ll always be true I’ll stand by your side, forever be true
My man Joe gave his life and soul On the far away fields of Flanders For my boys and me he’ll not grow old Nor ever be forgotten.
(chorus) I’ll always be with you, I’ll always be true I’ll stand by your side, forever be true
