A Veteran

This very poignant poem was written by Dr Barrie Penhaligan

A Veteran
He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast
as he sat around ‘The Legion’ telling stories of the past.

Of the war that he once fought in, and the deeds that he had done
in his exploits with his buddies, they were heroes everyone.

And though sometimes to his neighbours, his tales became a joke
all his buddies listened quietly, for they knew of what he spoke.

But we’ll hear his tales no longer, for old Joe has passed away
and the world’s a little poorer, for a veteran died today.

He wont be mourned by many, just his children and his wife
for he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family, going quietly on his way
and the world won’t note his passing, though a veteran died today.

When politicians leave this earth their bodies lie in state
whilst thousands note their passing and proclaim that ‘they were great’

Papers tell of their life’s stories from the time that they were young
but the passing of a veteran goes un-noticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
someone who breaks their promise and deceives his fellow man?

Or the ‘ordinary’ fellow who in times of war and strife
goes off to serve his country and to offer up his life.

The politicians stipend and the style in which he lives
are often disproportionate to the service that they give.

While the ordinary veteran who offers up his all
is paid off with a medal and, perhaps, a pension small.

It’s not the politicians with their compromise and ploys
who won for us our freedom that this country now enjoys.

Joe was just a common veteran, now their ranks are growing thin
but his presence should remind us, we may need the likes of him.

For, when countries are in conflict, we find the veteran’s part
is to clean up all the troubles, that  the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honour whilst he’s here to hear the praise
then at least give him the homage, at the ending of his days.

Perhaps…..a simple headline in the paper that could say
“Our Country is in mourning, for a veteran died today”