Diggers tribute (poem) by David J Delaney on AuthorsDen

Diggers tribute
by David J Delaney → (All Poetry by David J Delaney)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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My tribute to all our present & past service men & women.
Diggers Tribute Here I am, awake again, it’s in the middle of the night Lying covered in sweat, heart thumping from the fright I truly wish they would pass and I no longer see Nighttime in the jungle, another fight with the VC. My wife is fast asleep; I know she shares my pain Quietly I move to the patio, and now it’s starting to rain The rain has a relaxing feeling, as I sip at my drink I sit back in my chair, drifting back in time as I think. Thinking of our old Diggers, returning from a campaign Did they have the nightmares and unrelenting pain? Then I know from any service, many are quiet and reserved Shrugging away the recognition, we know they all deserve. Serving in Europe, Asia, the Pacific or the African desert Building a railway line, and in prison camps, did they deserve it When they returned to their home, things seemed so strange Did they get on with life; move on in their chosen game. My memories will not fade, the mates who died in my arms Or a group of us trying to cross those mine riddled farms Trip wires with grenades or poisoned bamboo Booby-trapped rubber plantations, taking hours to get through. Government experts, Ha! Put my memories in their head People who wouldn’t know, what it’s like to crawl over the dead They say it will be fine; I will get better and live a normal life I know it will come easier with support from family and my wife. What about our young men and women Diggers of today Serving their country, in a land somewhere so far away All of us should support them, this we should show Whether they are patrolling in the desert or the freezing snow. So let’s welcome these Diggers home, our arms open wide Not like some of us, shun them, so away they hide These young soldiers make me so proud I want to cheer I meet some at the RSL, and with them I share a beer. Walking inside, my wife stirs, asks “Am I alright” Responding with “Yes” knowing it will be a long night Feeling at ease laying here surrounded by these four walls Thinking how wonderful it would be, a world without wars. D.Delaney This tribute is for all our Diggers past and present especially for 2 mates (Vietnam), 2 Uncles (Korea), Father in law (WW2.POW Changi 3.5yrs), and a dear friend I worked with for several years who was a “Rat”(Tobruk). Also to other Diggers I have met over the years, their story’s are and were amazing be they humorous or horrific. Lest We Forget.

Reviewed by Sandy Shepard

Reviewed on July 30, 2008

This is an awesome tribute to the men who fought with you in Vietnam. That war went with me through my High School years and I could never understand why our soldiers were treated so poorly after they returned home, when all they did was do their duty. Thank you for this beautiful poem and although I am American, I feel this is written for all the men who served and are serving now.

Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner

Reviewed on July 17, 2008

As the daughter of/sister of/niece of/cousin of Veterans ("diggers") as well as a digger, myself, thank you, mate, for remembering sacrifices made by the military and their families - well done.

(((HUGS))) and love,

Karla.