Uploaded September 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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TENTH – SOLDIER


I

Relaxing asleep in your dusty sunny backwater
History books have been researched, labelled written
For an Indian soldier directing control of the slaughter
Destroying fascists for who so many were stupidly smitten

Were you a man of destiny as Churchill?
Or idealistic characteristic soldier of England?
Undefined special strength and power of the will
Combined leader quality mixed in water and sand

A towering figure to hold the British together
In artistic logical style as befits the gentleman
Always the true soldier today and forever
Like Winston the politician whose achievement you span

Mind of one who reviews history with lost candour
“The Auk” a shrewd character and a great man


II

Exiled to live a modest seclusion in Morocco
Big men, little men have now done their piece
Retired quiet as past victors have often done so
A hope that further antagonisms forever decrease

Feeling humiliation is always to break the rule
A created uncontrolled reason of depth or slight
Soldiers always playing the politician tool
But what does it cost to win a fight?

Sad, the war game so different when for real
Challenging Man with fighting something new
Or that ordered irritation one can often feel
As inspections of a sloppy military review

“I look forward to my next meal,
That’s what I look forward to!”

CA Harrogate September 1973