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”

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Dr Barrie Penhaligan

Born in Devon before the outbreak of the Second World War, l have very vivid memories of the horror that war brought to the average man and woman in the village that l lived in. When l was 7 years old my parents moved up into the Peak District on the outskirts of Sheffield. This town in particular was the subject of nightly bombing raids by the Luftwaffe as it was the main supplier of majority of England's steel production. The austerity of such a life, the rationing for food, the disturbed nights when l woken up to spend many an hour in the local Air Raid Shelters listening to the sound of the bombs screaming down, and the noise of the buildings being hit by them all made an impression on my young memory. Educated at the local Grammar School, l went on to University to achieve a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Masters in Sociology and Psychiatry. My Father, who was a self-employed Dentist, had always dreamed that l would follow him into the business when l graduated. He was very upset therefore when l told him that l had decided to move on from University and join the Royal Air Force and make a career as a Fighter Pilot. This l did and soon reached the ranks of a Squadron Leader when a tragic accident cut short my flying career and the necessity to wear glasses meant that l couldn’t even stay in the Air Force as ground staff. With the compensation l received as a result of this accident, l was able to set myself up as a Psychologist taking in both Health Service referrals and private patients. Becoming, as did, a ‘workaholic’ soon increased my bank balance quite considerably but l paid the price for this in two failed marriages. Now, in retirement, l spend my days in a small cottage situated on the South Downs of Great Britain. Putting pen to paper so to speak is a new experience for me, but one l am looking forwards to very much and l hope that you like what l submit.

Latest posts by Dr Barrie Penhaligan (see all)

• One Special Day - November 25, 2015
• Lucky Encounter - September 2, 2015
• The War - September 2, 2015
• The War - June 20, 2014
• A Veteran - June 18, 2014