A Soldier

I honour of all military personnel – past and presently serving and for all those who gave their lives in conflicts around the world – away from home, family and friends. Lest we forget.

 

 

Eyes right,

Eyes left.

Eyes front,

Sight down the barrel.

Don’t think,

Think quick.

Follow,

Find,

Lead,

Throw.

Friend and foe,

Watch them go.

Salute the front,

Honour the past.

Be always your best,

Decorate your chest.

Left turn.

Right turn.

Question your life,

Don’t question the order.

Safety off –

Aim and fire.

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I am Dead (Micro-tale)

Copper pennies closed the eyes.

Hands folded casually on the chest.

A new suit, ready for travel.

I look upon my body - my vehicle.

It had carried me through life;

I had learnt almost everything -

I had loved almost everybody -

I had seen almost everything.

I'd lived, I'd loved... I'll live again.

Zen Garden (micro-tale)

Removing his slippers

He stepped barefooted onto the smooth pebbles.

Moving slowly, he stooped occasionally,

Careful to collect every fallen, red maple leaf –

Then, using the bamboo rake

He carefully made the patterns she’d loved.

Sitting on a low wooden bench

He now drank his tea and remembered.

The Colour of Blood

 

His black skin held tight 
The red blood that pumped life, 
Until she cut him. 

Her pale complexion 
Always hid the red blood, 
Until she was shamed. 

Her ancient ancestry 
Stayed in her red blood, 
Until the city stole her innocence. 

Kneeling in prayer 
Red blood sang through his body, 
Until hatred ended his life. 

Our naked desires 
Our blood red insides 
Our loves and fears 

The vessel matters not 
The souls are all alike. 
The heart pumps the same - 
Red blood.