Old Veteran

Beside me stood an old veteran, Hunched over his stick he still stood In suit and poppy now free of the uniform, Belts and buckles, Clasps and laces, All. But the weight of his medals, His distinction, Still shone gold and silver In the white autumn sun. The creases upon his face show an age, Since the one of war departed And spanned further than the stretch of trenches he once ran, Still he sings “bind me to my scars.” Come service end He moves to the monument, Elderly march, And lays a hand on the stone Greeting farewell again, To his lost brothers in arms.