Half mast flags here today

Here now
Now the rain has cleared
A quiet Friday-rises
Through the cherry blossom

A shiny bit of spit and polish
Gunfire crackle shown on TV
The slow step return
The mutilation of the I.E.D.

Soldiers' boots gleam 
On the home turf
Here today 
The passing of another
Son. 

JL
St Anne's on Sea, April 27 2001