Elizabeth Birchall
Two Soldiers
Death brings the back street boy, a feral beast
According to his officers, a pomp
And dignity he’s unaccustomed to.
No more the raucous barks or ridicule
Of Sergeant-Majors on parade, no more
Sweat and swearing on exercise, no more
Terror in the field of fire. The band plays
A threnody to greet the flag-draped ark
Borne tenderly by white-gloved hands, close
Cradled by bare heads. In best uniforms
And gleaming boots, the slow march
Is paced out, affirming yet again
The shared identity of regimental men.
But here he is
Alone, iconic as any banner,
The centre of solemn ceremony,
Presumed a hero, certainly a mother’s son.
By the road lies a peasant boy in green,
Dust-shrouded by the roaring tanks, ignored
By all but flies, still recognisable
But one of an uncounted mass, many
Pulverised beyond reclaim. No army
Affirms his glory, no imam performs
His funeral rites with the requisite
Promptitude. He too may be a hero,
Certainly a mother’s son.
Nothing douce or decorous in either death;
Only the obsequies distinguish them;
Earth will receive all these
Bloody rags of men
Impartially.
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