Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier

Mystery of a life departed

A quiet soul, memories fond.

A soldier who served his country

For him the battle's never won.

Remembering fallen comrades

Each year he wore his medals

November 11 for him was sacred

Private thoughts, a quiet man...

Like Father and brother, a service life he chose,

With British Legion comrades he organised with pride 

The Veterans tour of Battle fields 

Respecting those who died.

I remember you Martin as a young soldier

Shy, quiet and uniform dutifully clad

We lost touch for so many years

Families busy, little contact, so sad...

By chance, reunited much later in life

I saw you had lived that military verve

Though ill,  you kept alive each chance to 

Stand shoulder to shoulder with all who serve.

In memory of Martin Wilson, my cousin passed away June 19th, 2014 

Nature's Perfume

Through an open window 

Gentle whispers of a morning 

Caress my face with gossamer trails

Punctuated with birdsong

White lilac blooms dance to the tune

Of a tiny seedling once gifted by friends

nurtured and loved to voluptuous form

Now proudly presents her beauty to all.

And so, her gentle perfume

Carried on the breeze, just a hint

To awaken the sense as it passes

Through an  open window.

What is this love?

A moment of such closeness and deep love

That requires no words or gestures,

just a glance when eyes meet

in that instant of quiet connection.

What beauty there is in a gentle smile 

With open arms yearning

And the heart dances with joy in a flutter of anticipation 

so exciting that you feel it will burst!

What is this love that we feel for  another

and instantly receive that magical response?

Such joy, desirous moment of love,

Yet, tender affection, possesses us totally.

Seventy

A celebration of quiet achievement

Moral standards, life ethic combine

To make this man unique to some

To me, he's  just divine.

A life's ambition to be a good doctor

Taken seriously but with a light touch

To work long and tirelessly into the night

To listen to and care for so much.

Thinking, searching for a solution

But sometimes this cannot be found

And when bad news must be shared

By this man, compassion abounds

His hobby and passion is football

With Politics and history he shows flair

A memory to be proud of

so quiz him if you dare!

Gardening doesn't light his fire

Since years ago whilst digging

Much Perspiration on his face

His spectacles went missing!!

Becoming a grandfather mellowed

Those many years of stricter self

Although playing football with grandson

Could be deleterious to his health!

Now as we grow older together,

our love does now impart

The trust, respect and tolerance

which has blossomed in our hearts.