General Chat

IN MEMORADUM ------------------------------------------------------- TO THE OLD SOLDIER ------------------------------------------------------- I missed him neath yon wood today nor was he at his favourite site where oft he whiled the hours away from morn till coming night campaigner old folke said of him who mocked his tattered coat its age-ing colour faded dim lent so proud a note to see once more old tom sat there such stories he would tell scairy tales both foul and fair his visits made to hell Across this blazing earth shall sound no more his heavy tread here on his favourite seat was found an ancient warrior dead time when the world knew slower pace before machines took deathly hold and by victorias queenly grace was England rich and bold then musing on a farr off star tom shook a grizzled head his eyes set on things afar not one word he said remembering sunsets crimson gold coach and horse his youthfull past gathering sheep into the fold those sailing ships-still with mast from deep inside his laughter shook his smile radiant with out like ripples in the summer brook alive with dashing trout and to us kids listen he says a pause then he'd begin with stories of his childhood days the childs heart he would win tell of wipers and mons retreat weary marches what courage tried how they pulled off the greaest feat his eyes lit up with pride tears too ran down that wrinkled face while recalling to mind acertain sight of family he gave to gods good grace in raids one winters night let vanity and fools find fault the child could never see this old tramp well worth his salt was much a man to me ------------------------------------------------- colin F