Another Soldier (After Rupert Brooke)
by cricketjeff on January 17, 2011. © Jeff Green, All rights reserved
I’ve served my time in many foreign lands,
Yet never strayed too far away from you.
And if I die at some opponents hands,
My final thoughts will show that I am true.
In desert dunes I’ve seen the Sussex downs,
Where we were free to walk so long ago.
On jungle paths, where every footfall drowns,
I’ve seen the oaks that England’s forests show.
I’ve helped build peace where ignorance once ruled
Heard your advice within a parent’s words,
I’ve rebuilt homes that bombs once tore away
And seen ten thousand children better schooled.
So though I’ll miss the songs of English birds
I’ll be content to lie where children play
English