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For a rag on a pole

I see them standing there
A line unbroken down the centuries,
From the bloody field of Hastings
To the Helmand river.

They have stood their ground
Fighting for a rag on a pole,
Keeping our green and pleasent land
Free from the scourge of hate.

They have held the laurels of victory
And drunk from the bitter cup of defeat,
Yet they have never faltered
Or failed in their duty.

Sometimes they have fought alone
Far from home on forgotten fields,
Sometimes they have fought beside allies
Bringing freedom to the oppressed.

What do we know of courage?
Safe in our living rooms,
What do we know of sacrifice?
Going about our routine lives.

In a world of luxury
We seek the easy path,
Never realising the price
That others must pay.

Give thanks to those who fight
So that we need not fear,
Remember those who serve our nation
So that we may live in peace.

Author notes

We Brits don't always see eye to eye with our colonial cousins. But in the end we are allies, Soldiers are fighting and dying together. Some fight under the Union flag of Britain, others under the stars and stripes of the USA. I'm proud to call America a friend and ally, our soldiers have been fighting together for a century now. WW1, WW2, Korea, both Gulf wars and now Afghanistan.

In the end they all fight for a rag on a pole that symbolises to them the homes and families they have left behind, fighting for nations that don't care about sacrifice, who live for the next fix, the easiest way out. Our socities are based on need and greed and yet they still stand and fight to protect us. They show a courage most in society can never match.

A contest entry

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Comments


  • An Old Codger gold member
    July 4
    Edit | Reply
    Congratulations on winning the silver. I'm just glad you blokes are on our side. Cheers.


  • Rheea gold member
    July 1

    Edit | Reply
    I am the harshest critic about poetry concerning our military on AP . To me this says so much so well . Thank God for your insight .

  • An Old Codger gold member
    July 1

    Edit | Reply
    Excellent write. The message is all too true. Having visited my father and several of his friends in veterans hospitals before his death I can only say that everyone should have that experience at least once a month. Very eye opening.


  • Dixie Dawn gold member
    July 1
    Edit | Reply
    Perfectly stated on so many levels..thank you!