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.

[Mila]

This sort of reminded me of something Wilfred Owen would write (or I'm just saying that because "Dulce et Decorum est" is one of my favorite wartime poems...)
Either way, this was very powerful and such a heartfelt tribute! I enjoyed every second of reading it and I can't wait to get to some more of your work!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Great to read you again Leigh. This is a poignant piece on war that depicte the lasting effect of post war PTSD and how it ruins lives. That it also questions thew purposae of war is fantastic.

[Baby Ricochet]

Howitzers, mortars, machine guns and snipers, that was WWI. From the infantry's perspective it was undoubtedly the most horrific war ever fought. The Influenza epidemic that killed millions across Europe and America rose out of those horrible, killing trenches. We're still paying for that war. Like the way the British Empire carved up the middle east for one. Good poem. Thanks

[Lyn Anderson]

There is a way of empathizing with soldiers that does not glorify war. You have accomplished this, I think.

[Dayran]

This one is certainly a little ... to all those who gave so much. Well done Old Boy ...

[Frieda P]

Such a heartfelt homage, this is one of my favorites of yours Leigh, going on the shelf toot sweet.

[Matching Socks]

Leigh this is one of my favourite poems from you my friend. It has touched my heart and reminded me not to take for granted all that I have.

[Ashira Macy]

This is a very touching tribute to those who have given their lives so that we could stay safe and sound. War is an awful thing, one that is wounding to not only the people who fight the battles, but to those back home that pray for their loved ones to return home safely. Beautiful job, this really gave me chills.