Eternal Light

I never knew you grandad, though they said that you were brave.

They say you went away to fight for freedom but instead, you found an open grave.

It stretched for miles and filled with blood which soaked into the ever-present mire.

While tattered remnants of your comrades and your so-called enemies festooned across the wire.

My nanna said your sacrifice was all in vain, - as nothing really changed, 

Except the poor got poorer and that many came home crippled and deranged.

The eldest sons of wealthy lords still held their rich estates,

While younger sons were sent to lead us straight through Hades open gates.

It makes me sad that you, and millions more, were not to have their moment in the sun.

I watch the empty bench where old ghosts sit and wonder what we’ve done.

We’ve drenched the Earth in blood a thousand times and in the streets, the poor are dying, still.

It seems as if Mankind have never learned a single thing of worth and maybe, - never will.

Yet somehow in the haze of my own tears, I seem to see an angel’s wings.

And in the whisper of the trees, I hear a choir of angels sing.

The follies of the rich and greedy were no fault of yours,

And though you died a wasted death your hearts were kind and pure.

Your bravery was real, and, in your hearts, you fought to make a better world.

Your honour was impeccable and even in a foolish war, you showed your worth.

And now, you have a moment in the sun, but in a world beyond this world of pain.

And though we all will meet someday; this world will never see the likes of you again!

Patrick W Kavanagh.

09/11/2018

Image by Tina Kavanagh