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.

[Norman T]

Such a moving poem. So many people psychologically destroyed,but not being sufficiently supported by the State that they have suffered for. No one wins in the end, but mankind never learns, whatever their nationality.
Despite it's grimness this was a well written poem with a staccato style that emphasised the tension of the subject.

Norman

[Ruth]

Poignantly strong love...echoes with lament and sacrifice...moved my heart, truly xo

[Happy hours]

they sacrifices their lives for us...nicely penned

[jjwilbourne]

I love where you took this. How experiences can haunt you.
The meter, though not consistant, sounds good and flows off the tongue. Great job.

[Leigh]

Thank you JJ

[Wandering Minstrel]

I truly think this is very amazing and complex as all your writes are! Great job

[Coyote Poetry]

True words. A powerful poem
The Soldier prayer.
"Make me short in country and send me home.
Today is one more day.
I got my buddy back and he got my back.
Home is far away.
Hidden in secret dreams.
We will go on for brother in-arms alive and dead.
They who go home in wrapped of flag.
Are ghost that will always stand with us."
Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[TL Boehm]

amen and amen. Well penned

[Woody]

wonderful tribute. war is a terrible thing to happen. unfortunately, when I watch the news on the tube, I think we're not out of the woods yet.

[Rita L. Sev]

if anybody asks
Why did they die?
Just tell them that
'All wars are a lie'

Whew - this stanza packs a punch, Leigh. A poem of great truth, with an important message at the end... Well penned!

[Rene Salinas]

Oh, we are the dead, we are the dead far more are we than you on earth and that is something that just sprang from your writing Leigh. It is frankly astounding the level of sacrice and to some extent selflessness required to give it all up and defend a war for better and for worse. As you very clearly point out the effects of war of those who take part are life changing passing through life shattering to life defining. Your mesage at the end takes me back as if to say: seeking ever the great goals of humanity become free - So honour and serve us! For many are we! .

A moment of silence then.

Thankyou