Normal Day!

He remembered when asked a normal day

his son had come home on leave

such excitement amongst the whole family

worried about him in the war zone

always glad when he phoned for his chat

conversations about this and that!

 

Trying to keep his spirits up it was hard

for his parents to show concern

their only child was in a dangerous place

his decision to become a soldier

knew only to well the risks of enemy fire

how fragile life was in this quagmire!

 

So the big party was for his safe return

last tour before discharge

had decided to leave wanted to be home

had met a girl of his dreams

an engineer was certain to make a career

in a local firm an offer was near!

 

On the eve of his families planned celebration

his dad wanted to go for a walk

along the small harbour where he had fished

bringing his son up to love the sea

days to reminisce remembering such fun

of the bonding of father and son!

 

Standing quietly their link renewed relaxed

a faint crack like distant gun shot

his son slumped in slow motion onto the rail

three words spoke help me dad

as in the shaking arms of dad passed away

his father for this first time did pray!

 

Had not been killed by the enemy in battle

but by a robber fleeing the police

firing an illegal weapon and a stray bullet

that had ricochet off a sign post

fate had dealt an awful blow on that day

what unseen forces were at play?

 

Started as a normal day is all he could recall!

 

The Foureyed Poet.

 

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