Tommy Got Back

 

Walking in the shadow 
Is a Tommy who got back 
He's got snuffed out eyes 
He's still under attack 

He'll scurry on by 
In the dead of the night 
A muddy faced soldier 
Now forever in flight 

So don't drop that plate 
Or you'll shatter his nerves 
While he tries to make sense 
Of the country he serves 

He can't quite face you 
He needs to be alone 
He feels kind of numb 
Like waves on a stone 

These were the boys 
Who went out as men 
They came back as ghosts 
Or usually, never again 

So if anybody asks 
Why did they die? 
Just tell them that 
'For freedom that’s why' 

And if you hear voices 
While alone in your bed 
It'll be the souls of the many 
Who are not long dead 

They are still restless 
And have a message to give 
'I gave my life for you 
So live well, live' 

Reviews

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

It's a poem that fits in the light of Remembrance Day that is passed this week. War is a harsh thing, people fight, people die. Those who return will never be the same again. I read it all in these lines. A very sad thing but very well written. Liked it.

[Robert Haigh]

Poignant and thought-provoking. My father fought in World War 2, and his father fought in World War 1. They both survived, but they had some horrific memories etched forever in their brain.

[Stanley Wilson]

Great work really enjoyed it.

[Katrina Mckeown]

I love the way you perfectly portrayed war in this brilliantly penned piece! So sad but so very true . Those were boys who came back as ghosts , or usually never again.

[Angeliki Largatzis]

I love this, especially the way the poem flows.
'These were the boys
Who went out as men
They came back as ghosts
Or usually, never again '
Wonderful read.

[barleygirl]

This past week, we celebrated Veteran's Day & it's only a coincidence that I'm finding this in my reading library, but boy does your message make a connection! This is one of the best things I've read depicting how it might be for those returning from war. In V1, "snuffed out eyes" got my attention right away & the rest of your poem is filled with similar language that really hits the mark, not to mention snappy rhyme & rhythm that reminds me of a sing-song nursery rhyme, as if mocking this a little, possibly suggesting that we all take these guys' sacrifices too lightly. Then your ending punch caps off this sentiment nicely . . . appreciate what this shell-shocked human has helped to secure . . . freedom (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[John Alexander McFadyen]

So good to read this again on the anniversary of the D-Day landings. So emotionally in tune with the sad futility of it all.

[Neville]

On this, the very eve of the first centenary since hostilities ceased.. I salute you, these words and all those to whom you refer... N

[alanwgraham]

Excellent poem. You have created many great images to portay the reality and futility of war. It''s good that you've brought in what we now call PTS. Your final two lines are good and give some meaning to what I find is the meaningles epithet on its own 'I (they) gave my life for you'.
I have a similar story inspired by the Somme anniversary you might like to look at called 'Somme' (maybe on my second page).
Regards,
Alan

[Lisette]

Loved it!:) and the message!

[Lisette]

Loved it, and the message!