Ode for our Kids at War

Our kids both went away this year,
To fight forgotten wars.
Iraq and Afghan, we know their names
Their landscapes harsh and torn.

They knew the risks, they guessed our fears,
As we all wished them well.
They went as heroes of our hearts,
But they didn’t see the tears

It’s hard to tell them, how we feel,
Those who do not know the pain,
Of waiting whilst loved ones do their bit,
Each day we pray again.

You dread to hear the TV news
And wait with bated breath,
Then feel guilty because you’re relieved it was,
Some other soldier’s death.

The days do not come soon enough,
To get that hurried call,
‘I’m ok here, how are you ‘they say,
Oh, we’re really having a ball.

Send of parcels every week
It helps keep up morale
Send a letter, a bluey too,
They will share it with a pal.

There is nothing you can do to help,
You just have to learn to wait,
Trust to luck and hope like hell,
But what you fear, is fate.

One came back, one more to come,
What state of play is that?
Is that some kind of score to keep?
Or just another stat.

Don’t let your guard down for a day,
Keep going for it’s not long,
Before that day when they are both at home,
Our family, whole, as one.

For Laura and Keith.

Copyright PAFFA 2007 PAFFA.ORG.UK