Thursday, 11 November 2021

Star of Mons



Nineteen-fourteen, the battle for Mons 
First mass offensive on a foreign shore 
Two tribal gatherings, juxtaposed 
Intent upon the brutal art of war

My grandfather, still a young man 
I see him now, astride that gelding horse 
Above the thundering hooves that lifted soil 
He galloped hard across the burning gorse

I see him now, upon that desperate ride 
Important message clutched within his hand, 
Racing down the lethal lines of fire, 
A signal delivered to the high command

Then back, returning down that torrid line 
With guns and rifles blazing all around 
Dodging the shrapnel and the mortal fire 
Deafened by the conflagration sound

Mentioned in dispatches for his deeds 
His courageous act above the call, beyond 
Although grandfather bravely soldiered on 
He never made it to the river Somme


Steve Wheeler © 11 November, 2021

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