Armistice Day News 2008

Armistice Day News 2008 by Elaine Crinnion

of WW1 veteran Henry Allingham
who tried to step from his wheelchair, age 112,
to place a wreath at The Cenotaph

He bears a wreath like those who fought and died.
He rips the rules of death and slams the gap.
He tried to stand but failed, help at his side

So held within his lap, weighty and wide -
A red ring-mark on England’s treasure map -
He bears a wreath like those who fought and died.

What a trouper. A gift to wrap with pride
In cotton wool; to spoon-feed, care on tap.
He tried to stand but failed, help at his side.

His call: He knew his bootstrap; when to ride
The battle out and when to take the rap,
He bears a wreath like those who fought and died.

The weight belongs in all our laps, untried:
Stand up - stand tall - in honour of this chap!
He tried to stand but failed, help at his side.

With every eye upon him nationwide;
With fallen poppies bedding - seeping sap;
He bears a wreath like those who fought and died.
He tried to stand but failed, help at his side.

and of Baby P,
who died age 17 months