I wrote this poem in 2009 when I was being made redundant from my job that I loved and had dedicated fourteen years of my life to. Devastated by what was happening to me I lay on my sofa just watching tv and what I was watching every day was our young soldiers being brought back home from the gulf war in a coffin draped with the Union Jack flag which I suspect is a symbol that they had died in our honour. I cried for them and my heart went out to their families and friends. I dedicate this poem to those who lost their lives and those who loved them so much and I am sure are still grieving their loss.

Repatriation

A word not that well known

But now we hear it constantly

As our brave boys are brought back home

Back home from the front line

To their grieving families

Now their war has ended

All that’s left are memories

They asked no questions why

They had strength and they were bold

Not knowing what they were fighting for

Just that they had a duty to uphold

They fought with bravery and with courage

So that you and I can live

Let’s hope they didn’t die in vain

Because they gave everything they could give

© Dee Turner 2020