Shell Shock

 

Body, mind and soul deranged

a person so completely changed

Every sinew burnt to an ember

as there was very little to remember

 

Stumbling alone quite numb and dazed

no emotion or feeling could be raised

Despite the glaring sunlight

there as little about or in sight

 

Fear, hunger and pain were no more

even the shrapnel wounds no longer sore

Dazed, heady as if overcome with drink

there was nothing left about to think

 

All around did give a shout

but it all meant absolutely nowt

Dirt and grime covered his body

then someone offered him a toddy

 

He had forgotten who he truly was

no longer could he use the word because

Reason and compassion had retreated

his very soul completely defeated

 

The gas had choked and suffocated

in this pants he had defecated

Tears streamed from his infected eyes

all he could hear were sobs and sighs

 

An eerie mist pervaded soul and place

no longer did he belong to the human race

All seemed lost or dead

in a sore and empty head