The Last Ten

by Ed or Ian Henderson   Jul 2, 2006


Note: if you're taking the time to visit, please take the time to vote and/or comment. This is a commemoration of heroes.

***

I just can't imagine the horror.
How ordinary it all must have seemed.
To be a young man in combat,
Entrenched in mock safety with friends.
A cheery cigarette with a neighbour,
Or perhaps a boyhood friend.
Reflecting and wishing this ends soon.
Praying I never hear another whistle.

The bombardment is purely aural,
A sickening noise that kills ears.
We don't see the death across there.
Each strike loosens ever more dirt.
We are with them for this in the return
As the rain once more fills our boots.
Huddled in fear, dying inside.
On silence, we go over the top again.

Reflecting, it all seems so hopeless,
Until you remember the answered call.
Some things must be borne of sacrifice.
Dead friends are friends to that end.
A generation of us cut like poppies,
We stand still and answer time's wind.
There was worse in the hourglass for some.
Speaking of our many and few.

We are few now, as immemorial.
A memento mori that shall pass.
Withered, we are forged from resolve.
All we ask is our passing is known.
For the reasons we rose to the whistle,
The reasons we answered the call,
Are for your generation:
The cenotaph is not just a stone.

I will remember you as one.
I know the last ten will die.
And I will pass on your sacrifice
To generations to come.
I cannot relate the thunderous death,
Or the loss of so many friends,
But I will always honour your memory,
Until I pass unto where you are.

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Latest Comments

  • 17 years ago

    by Bret Higgins

    I bucked up the mustard to read this only because of the thread you started.

    Honestly I had to stop half way through, not because it's bad, far from it, but I knew what was coming and that is something that is hard for me to deal with.

    Having fought and lost friends and strangers alike, I can only ask that you really do spread the word and make people not just remember, but realise what my second family did and still do.

    Perhaps that is the greatest compliment I can pay on this subject.

  • 18 years ago

    by Darien

    Ed, I know there has been some conflict between CC&P and you, but I just wanted you to know, I still respect you. I know you had to leave for your own reasons.

    Now onto the poem. While reading this, I came across the line,
    "Dead friends are friends to that end."
    and I wondered, did he mean "Dear". Then I started thinking, wow that line made so much sense. If your friends are dead, then they were indeed friends to the end. That was very thought provoking. It was a really well written poem abouta battle. I thought battle, because everyone is confronted by a battle, it may not be war, but a conflict. Kinda why I brought up that comment on CC&P. Anyways, this was a great poem Ed, you crafted a great story. Well done.

  • 18 years ago

    by Twisted Heart

    Hey Ed, Really Good write. The content of the poem was great. The passion and imagery was also well worth the time to read. Overall very well done.

  • 18 years ago

    by maudie

    I would have to agree with Diana. People can not just read a poem like that....I have goose bumps.....You are a hell of a writer..Thanks for posting it. 10/10

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