Donations are essential to keep Write Out Loud going    

The Vow

We vow to shield but splatter
the soldiers in Afghan
with pretty propaganda
about what we need of man
to even out democracy
without arguments but arms
and use placebo platitudes.
a fooling no-one charm.

Signing up at sixteen
had always been his dream
he could have been
he would have been
a grown man in time.

At eighteen with his maker
and not his loving mother;
his foot patrol got broken
by an IED explosion.
By mum the proud formation of
the William Aldridge foundation
for the wounded of all battalions
and his name won't be forgotten.

Signing up at sixteen
had always been his dream
he could have been
he would have been
a grown man in time.

Mrs A we thank you
for the helping that you do,
but it shouldn't be your duty
to tackle inequality
and fix a derogatory offer
that the government did proffer
to The Rifles in Sangin
and the brothers of your son.

◄ Sunset yellow

Self indulgence ►

Comments

Profile image

alisonsmiles68@gmail.com

Sun 31st Oct 2010 19:03

totally and utterly stolen from the hymn. Since I discovered pastiche as an accepted form there's no holding me back!

<Deleted User> (7164)

Sun 31st Oct 2010 18:57

When i read the first few lines of this the rhythm immediately reminded me of the hymn 'We plough the fields and scatter.'
Not entirely out of place in this instance. A very current, factual styled poem.x

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message