D-Day!

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(Dedicated to ALL the terrified but determined people who fought and died to rescue Europe from Fascism and Tyranny)

"What did D-Day stand for?"
I wondered it aloud.
Was it for Departure
Or was it for the crowd?

Was it for Destruction,
Everywhere it went?
Despite the Disagreement,
Did it signal firm intent?

It could have been that 'Damned Day'
That could not be Denied,
When early Death came calling
Or luck was on your side.

Or was it for Debarkation
From all those landing craft?
Smelling of sweat and vomit
Into a blood-red surf?

Was it for the Destroyers
Steaming o'er the Deep,
Targets for the Stukas
To rake the grimy Decks?

Or was it for the Dakotas
Packed with bodies for the jump?
Young men Drone-Drowned,
Cast out into a Dreaded night.

It could be for Determined,
To advance Despite the odds.
Or Dedication to ideals,
That trumped the awful cost.

Or a Destiny that Decided
Whether I should live or Die;
Whether bathed in glory
Or ingloriously Defeated lie.

The biggest naval operation,
Now seventy five years have passed,
Leaves Britain undefended,
And weakened by the past.

We stand in admiration
Of those that went before,
Who sacrificed themselves
For principles of yore.

For Democracy and Justice,
For impartial rule of law,
For humanity and freedom,
Distributed to one and all

So to conclude this little Ditty
Unequal to the task,
We should honour all the heroes
And humbly aim at last,
To be worthy of their sacrifice
And Dedicate ourselves again,
To a 'resilient generation'
Of eternal D-Day fame.

Tim Veater.



One fine day on the Isles of Scilly!

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