Just out for a walk after an early stack
Not looking for trouble, not watching my back
Mothers with prams holding hands with their kids
Not paying attention to the car as it skids
Caught completely off guard not expecting what comes
One man with a knife another with guns
No chance of defence no chance to fight back
Looking for help as the cowards attack
An angel arrives as the light turns to grey
A woman attempts to steer attackers away
My last thought of 'Thank You' never strays from my brain
As my body shuts down and I feel no more pain.
I look to my left and I look to my right
Thousands of squaddies are all that's in sight
Uniforms are crisp and their faces are clean
No sign of anger or hate to be seen
As if by command they salute all as one
The RSM smiles, says 'Welcome home son'.
Anonymous
This poem is titled 'Woolwich Shines' and was written by Ian Yates to help him come to terms with the horrific events of 22 May.
ReplyDeleteIt has now been published for Kindle and in paperback with a few other poems written in the immediate days following.
Proceeds from the sales of this book are going to UK armed forces charities and the RIP Lee Rigby Just Giving charity page.