Afghan Again

by Jim Hanafan

'Allah is Akba'
God is great
Eyes like a demon
But couldn't shoot straight

It was hot and dusty
But God was willing
Smiled on me as
I earned Queen's shilling

His chest exploded
Red rose bloomed
As to his God
He was doomed

Dervish whirled
Twisted, spun
Dying fingers
Released the gun

Ground rose up
Hard, unyielding
I felt it though
I had no feeling

Kill or die
For what don't know
When the good Lord calls me
I'll have to go

Alas for him
On this hot day
It was his God calling
No more he'll pray

Dash, Down & Fire
My Aim be true
Please my God
I implore you

Cos as he fell
Like peasant brace
Another one
Took his place

From: 
JH




Jim Hanafan's picture

ABOUT THE POET ~
Ex Soldier living in North Herts, writing poetry for a hobby, working hard for a living, in order to understand the poetry, understand the poet first., The British Army is famous throughout the world for its professionalism when it comes to soldiering. Foremost in the Confines of that wonderful organization is the Infantry, the Soldiers who are more likely that any other to face the Enemy in combat, and be called upon to kill or be killed., Infantry Soldiers are a breed apart from the rest of the Army, from their first day within the organization they are taught that they are the best, that their Regiment is the best, that they now belong to an exclusive club, a veritable Band of Brothers., My own journey into this world was achieved as a result of a stubborn streak, whatever I was told to do I would do the opposite., Although I never shone at school, it did infuse me with a love of the written word, particularly poems by the so called “War Poets” when I realised that these people were telling a story in the best way they could to make themselves & their situation understood., As they say in bad movies ”read 'em & weep”.


Last updated July 02, 2017