WAR GRAVES

                                                               LXVIII

Gravestones standing to attention
On parade for all eternity.
In lines of military order
Each one a separate tragedy.

Although many decades have passed
You sense the sorrow and grief.
Their adult life was stolen -
War is a terrible thief.

They were not just soldiers
They were husbands - fathers - sons.
Women prayed their men would be
Among the lucky ones.

How many strong and brave young men
Were cut down in their prime
What a futile waste of life -
War is the ultimate crime.

Brookwood cemetery, Surrey.

August 1988