The empty chair

The chair stands empty
by the old book case
the cuckoo clock ticks
in a deserted room

The light flicks on
as the daylight fails
but no hand
operated the switch

The table's deserted
in the window corner
the birds sing
but none's there to hear

Soon the room will be empty
and bereft of life
as life has now ended
and we remember

At the end

At the end of the line
where loneliness ends
where bonds are cut
and others reforged
 
Reunited beyond pain
rejoined beyond road's end
we that are left behind
should rejoice at the end
 
At the end of the road
where suffering ceases
and all becomes clear
We are left behind
 
Where the Day breaks
and shadows flee away
where joy supersedes sorrow
and the light supplants dark
 
The one certainty in life
became true once more
the promise was held
and eternal rest is granted

The inscribed tower

The inscribed tower
will be a focal point again
this Sunday
for two minutes

We'll fall silent
as we read the names
their place in the hierarchy
now only of honour

The day they were lost
The years of their lives
No more than those listed
on the inscribed tower

The inscribed tower
village by village
town by town
for those few minutes

We will remember them
at land, sea or in the air
defending their today
so we can have our tomorrow

Not just for two minutes
not just on that one day
but every day
on the inscribed tower

Remembrance Day 2017

How many of the faces
our there on Cnoc nan Uan
who committed their life
to King and country that day

How many of the faces
setting out for service
with gallantry
and pride

How many of the faces
would come back one day
before the decade
ground to a close

How many of the faces
were closed over
by water,
earth or fire

How many of the faces
bore scars
visible
and invisible

How many of the faces
that day on Cnoc nan Uan
would return to remember
those that never came back