In the twinkling of an eye

 

There one minute and gone the next

aged 19 years in uniform in Belgium

The movement was toward Dunkirk

as he stood in the midst of fleeing people

A bomb completely obliterated him

leaving no trace whatsoever

No body to be laid to rest only dust

blown away in the twinkling of an eye

He was dearly loved and sorely missed

a name engraved on a War Memorial

I have the last photograph taken of him

in uniform and set in a silver frame

Two poppies are permanently in place

to say that he will never be forgotten

I never knew him but my grandmother

mourned his loss

She said I resembled him

as a bond was formed between us

I honour his memory with deep gratitude

He gave his today for my tomorrow

This I shall never forget