Patriot
The pain of pride and ache to cry,
For those old soldiers, marching by,
Now fragile in their marching pride,
Those age worn faces cannot hide
Scenes of battle burned on mind
And youthful comrades left behind.
Old soldiers hold the marching line
Advancing, never marking time,
Wheel chair, walking, number dwindled
Together still, their passion kindled,
Brave old hearts rise to the call
Knowing soon they too will fall.
So share their pride and ache to cry,
As those last old soldiers pass on by.
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I went to a few events last year, including recreations of D Day landings down in Southsea. Interesting to watch – and then very moving when I spotted veterans amongst the audience and watched their reactions.
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Thanks for reading it Patsy. I spent a year in Portsmouth, probably 1965, at teacher training college. Loved the old town, south sea and Langstone harbour areas. Failed as a teacher. The sight of these old soldiers is heart rending, as is the sight of the youngsters today with lost limbs. Sad.
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