The Battle Ahead

The Battle Ahead

Yet another day to get through:

It’s the only way they can be sure -

There’s always more equipment,

And relentless training to endure.

They look around and watch the other men,

See determination in their eyes.

They’re focused on what they’re doing,

Just a bunch of regular guys.

The trainers shout encouragement,

There’s no let-up in the toil and sweat.

They’ve got to keep on making progress,

For there’s the daily targets to be met.

Every man here has his reasons,

Knows he’s got to do what’s right,

For he’s got to be prepared,

And ready for the coming fight.

Out there, it’s going to be relentless:

No-one will have time to wait for you.

They’ll have to be fit and healthy,

If they’re to have any chance to pull through.

There’ll come a time when they are on their own,

Even though their body’s wracked with pain.

They’ll need to look out for what’s coming,

And pick themselves up, time and time again.

For the battle has moved along now:

And it’s not in foreign fields they roam,

But right back here in Britain,

In the place that will soon be home.

The enemy has changed in nature:

It’s not unseen men with explosives.

The fight’s all about understanding,

Against an apathy that’s become corrosive.

Overcoming injury and debility,

Working circuits round the floor,

The rehabilitation seems endless:

A soldier’s never-ending war.

Life will surely change for the worse -

Even getting around is far from fun.

Missing limbs and other wounds,

Means carrying a stick, no longer a gun.

Discomfort, agony and pain,

The wounds, the stitches and the cuts –

It’ll take bravery and persistence,

And more than a fair share of guts.

Medical staff are the ones giving the orders,

They’re the guys to be obeyed.

Though “Operating Theatre” means something else,

There’s still good reasons to be afraid.

Copyright Andy Fawthrop 2019