ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

CHUCKIN’ A WOBBLY

He takes one slow uneven step – an effort one could see.
His story told, he’s one who’s chosen anonymity.
Each day he fights the demons within – every day’s a win.
He’ll not give up, he’ll not opt out, failure is not in him.

Together they join dream to dream; she stands staunch at his side.
She knows his shattered body and she’s seen the shattered pride,
but shades of meaning come around they are plainly in view
she swore in sickness and in health the day she said I do.

He’s fought the war for his country on far off foreign soil
and now he fights his own battle and it takes sweat and toil.
He takes one slow uneven step ‘neath flickering midday light
and wrestles with his demons in the darkness of the night.

Give up, give in are words that aren’t in his vocabulary.
This blokes no coward, never was, he’ll win – just wait and see.
With mates he’ll march upright and proud again on Anzac Day.
Wheelchair bound? I’ll be buggered – he’ll be marching all the way.

Maureen Clifford © 10/12

Saw a couple of blokes at the service yesterday who looked like they had met and overcome this barrier. Makes you proud to see them still standing tall and as straight as they can, but always makes me so sad...IMO the cost is far to high, I just wish we would bring our troops home now.