I can’t tell you what my name is

My department or my rank

And my superiors will deny that I exist

Because we’re covert operations

And we’re the ones to thank

For saving our fine country from the threat of terrorists,

Some people may refer to us

Affectionately as “Spooks”

While some others in the “Know” might call us “Spies”

But whatever we’re referred to

In magazines or books

We’re the ones that lay our lives down on the line,

We infiltrate the enemy

Using subterfuge and stealth

We are not the nicest people you’ll have met

The work we do is vital

But not the kind you’d do yourself

We rob and kill and maim without regret,

Because there’s no room for a conscience

In the things we have to do

And pity’s not a trait we can afford

Hesitate for just a moment

And it won’t be him but you

That finds himself impaled upon the sword,

Do I wish it could be different?

Yes of course, all sane men would

But until it is there’s need of men like me

Oh, you think that I’m a monster

Well I suppose in truth you should

And there’s a lot of men out there that would agree,

But I’m the monster for your country

I’m the monster on your side

I keep you safe from terrorist attack

And if I’m caught by the enemy

Or arrested as a spy

They’ll cruelly torture me until I crack,

And I know the chance of being caught

Is higher every time

I pretend to be somebody that I’m not

 And every friend I’ve ever had

Is in some prison now

Or fortunate enough to have been shot,

We don’t do this for the money

We don’t do it for the fame

We do it for our country, Queen or King,

We’re covert operations

And nobody knows our names

And we’re determined terrorists should never win,

So while you snuggle in your bedrooms

Warm and cosy, safe and sound,

Give a thought to those that stand prepared

Those covert operators

That live their lives underground

Always ready, never seen but always there,

Because without us in the shadows

Blood and mayhem would ensue

And life would be as worthless as the breeze

You’re ashamed to call us countrymen

Because the things we have to do,

But because of us the rest of you are free.

By S.E.Ralph

15-1-2012