Nicknames

by Stephen Gospage

Wednesday 9th March 2022 9:59 pm

‘Sharpie’ Wilson

Liked his pint and his fag

And fancied a miner’s daughter.

More rugby league in that area, then.

He was called up for the war;

I wonder what he’s doing now?

‘Pint-size’ Gregor

Was the husband of a cousin.

Never a cross word;

Twenty years in car assembly.

He was called up for the war;

I wonder what he’s doing now?

‘Slowcoach’ Colin:

Everyone was astonished when

He married the shy girl in the corner shop.

Had just begun to overcome his stammer.

He was called up for the war;

I wonder what he’s doing now?

Nicknames, affectionate or hurtful,

Sometimes well-meant, identify

Participants who join this game.

But war is a machine, a process;

No one who enters

Will come out the same.

Comments

John Botterill

Sun 13th Mar 2022 09:05

Superb poem, Stephen. Very moving and, unfortunately, apposite. The comments on the poem are also fascinating.

Ruth O'Reilly

Sat 12th Mar 2022 19:24

Really enjoyed this thoughtful piece Stephen. How heartbreaking it is that this isn't so much reminiscent of ww2, as a commentary of what is to come. It also unfortunately brought to mind thoughts of how some will develop new nicknames depending on how well their time at war served them. Nicknames are often cruelly derived from injuries.

Stephen Gospage

Sat 12th Mar 2022 15:57

Thanks to Nigel, Rudyard, Holden, Pete and Stephen for liking this poem.

And thanks to Greg and Ray for the comments. That is a wonderful, moving story, Greg. War changes everyone but tragically many people do not come through it at all. It is marvellous that you were able to find 'Taffy's' real name. These things really matter.

And thank you, Ray.Interesting to learn about Pete Long. After I wrote this, I thought of a Hancock episode called The Reunion Party, where he invites his old army pals from WW2, 'Smudger' and 'Chalky', to a reunion, only to discover that they have ceased to be the tearaways of old and have become a bank clerk and a vicar respectively. So I guess that wars change everyone.

raypool

Sat 12th Mar 2022 11:46

Fascinating poem Stephen, and a great follow up from Greg too. In the world of musicians there a lots of nicknames, as an example Pete Long known as Plong. Taffy still used for a Welsh trombone player etc etc. Very often a name indicates the opposite trait to highlight it of course. Long may it survive.

Ray

Greg Freeman

Sat 12th Mar 2022 05:57

My father's best pal in the second world war was someone called 'Taffy' Smith, Steve. That's all he knew him as. 'Taffy' was killed in an accident on the 'Death Railway' in 1943, having got married on embarkation leave. His death affected my father deeply. 'Taffy' was recently given his real name back, thanks to expert researchers on a Far East veterans' relatives FB page who came up with the information within hours of me posting. 'Taffy's' real name was Maldwyn. He came from North Wales.

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Nicknames

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