War has many casualties, not the least those who are left behind.
Their names are not recorded
and you’ll find no trace at all
of the story of their struggle
engraved on a marble wall;
No statues stand erected
with gilt emblazoned stone,
to commemorate the sacrifice
of those who served alone.
No medals or decorations
were awarded for them to wear
and never has this nation
proclaimed it really cares:
For the parents and the children,
the loved ones and the wives,
doomed by war’s insanity
to suffer lonely lives.
For when the fighting finished
and peace again was won,
there was no truce declared for them –
their battle had just begun.
So, when we bow our heads
come next Anzac Day,
perhaps we might remember too:
those who fight on still today.
Email, 12 Apr 2017 Vic Jefferies, St Huberts Island