His alarm clock is the dawn chorus
Cardboard boxes his mattress
A sack stuffed with newspaper
Is his makeshift duvet and cover
Shop doorway for a bedroom
Shaggy dog his constant companion
He greets the day with a toothless grin
As the first rays of sun smile back at him
Today, he thinks, things will not change
Encounters of both sympathy and rage
A friendly word with the police no doubt
Or abusive words from a drunken lout
And yet he continues as before
Unknown to most this forgotten war hero
Who wants nothing more than to forget
Caring not for the medals and past respect
Living out his life from day to day
Hand to mouth, dues all paid
Patiently awaiting his ultimate fate
When he is ultimately Returned To Unit.