ALONE

The soldier was alone and frightened
He wished his comrades were with him now
Hardly breathing for fear that they could hear his heart beat
Why has it ended like this?
His body pressed harder and deeper into his cold dark hiding place
They were getting closer
Shaking with cold and terror he said a prayer
Please do not forsake me now God
This must be the end
They were almost upon him
He could smell their breath
He could hear someone taking a piss
A cigarette butt landed by his head
There were at least three of them
He had no weapons
Laying like a corpse it was unbearable
How can they not see him trembling?
Then they were gone
He let out his breath
Quietly sobbing he felt his crutch was warm
He had pissed himself
I miss my family and friends
I miss my Regiment and the lads
The soldier ate a rotting apple core he found
He pulled another piece of cardboard over his thin body
Exhaustion overcame him and he fell asleep
Another homeless veteran on the streets of Britain in 2010

©  Tony McNally