King and country

by Martin Elder

Thursday 17th November 2016 11:27 pm

He always sat in an upright dining chair

Close to the table

Never slumping

One of his great arms sometimes resting on the table

Whether watching T.V. or just chatting

He was proud of what he had done

Doing his bit

Serving in the Great War

Rarely talking about the pock marked scars

That ran up one arm

And one side of his chest

Like large drill holes

Where the machine gun had caught him

And brought him down

But there he was still

No pauses or sigh of regret

A wife and children

Grandchildren

A man of rolled up sleeves

Proud to get his hands dirty

To do his bit

For country and

For king

Now finally at rest in Peace

Comments

Martin Elder

Sun 20th Nov 2016 14:31

Thanks to all for taking the time to read this piece. It was a story that came to me second hand from a work colleague years ago. She was describing her grandfather who despite what he had been through remained quite upright and stolid. Very much loved his family but for obvious reasons didn't really want to talk about what he had gone through. In answer to your comments David I think I am angry at the absolute slaughter that went on during the first world war that was perhaps better documented to a degree for the first time. I can only assume that they were not so angry themselves because it was a sign of the times when men were shot for less as apparently being cowards. Thankfully we have moved on a bit since then.
John as you say yours is indeed a great Grandad story

Ray I think most people talk a lot more these days about what they have been through or are going through which gives catharsis to both veteran and family members more easily

It was finally good to meet you Laura, as I said I will try and get across to Wigan next month.

Cynthia I always love your poetry, so well thought out. Also autumn is my favourite time of year and I then just when I think that I have run out of things to say about it
another idea pops into my head

Andy always a pleasure to get your comments

Thanks again all

Cheers

Martin

raypool

Fri 18th Nov 2016 22:19

Very moving and telling Martin. So much to go through and can't easily be conveyed within families - though if it could it may have helped everyone in the close unit. There is more than one type of shell.

Ray

John Coopey

Fri 18th Nov 2016 20:14

On the money, Martin. It reminded me of my granddad who's been dead for nearly 60 years. He had a bullet wound on his arm.
He used to tell me that when his trench got overrun by Germans he faced up to 6 of them with one more about to jump in and said "Budge up and make room for your mate", before he bayoneted them all.
A good grandad story.

Cynthia Buell Thomas

Fri 18th Nov 2016 13:45

Well put, Martin.I am enjoying your work so much, on WOL and at readings in Sale.

Thanks for the encouragement at Sale this week. You wouldn't believe how much effort went into that little 'October' piece. I often read it just for the pleasure it gives me, every time, and I wrote it!