Old soldiers’ home.

Jonnie Comet

I wandered in one summer sweet,

Quite pleased to find the lawn so neat;

The place stone quiet, I alone

Sat down before my father’s feet.

I told him what was on my mind,

And he made answer, of a kind;

Our mutual sentiments thus known,

I left refreshed, and he, resigned.

And as I strolled out ‘neath the trees,

I heard the Flag snap in the breeze;

Some distant warbird’s noble drone

Gave anxious obligations ease.

For I know well these aged men

Who served in wars’ dark horror then,

Despite all threat to breath and bone;

Their valour e’er inspires my pen.

I owe them all a greater debt

Than humble beds can meet, and yet

Amid the grass, and trees, and stone,

Like Daddy, they abide, well-met.

 

- 8 March 1997

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l. 11 - warbird - affectionate nickname for a retired military airplane –JC