I live
in a hole
in the ground
I share it
with a rat
and some lice
that think they own me
we have reached
an agreement
a compromise
about the food
I eat
from soggy ration packs
the lice
eat
from me
the rat
will not discuss
his cuisine
or culinary treasures
but I talk to him
so sleek
I tell him
not to eat
too much
of my ex-comrades
better
to go find
the enemy
though I think he finds it
hard to choose
between the who and who
water
in the trenches
I lost a toe
last winter
cold and hot
and ice
and water
thank god
the rains let up
thank god
they still send us cigarettes
from time to time
sometimes I feel
I can hide myself
inside a twirling column
of the grey that flows
when I light up
I could just
disappear
I don’t
really
live in this
hole in the ground
where you’ve found me
I’m only temporary
passing through
resident
for just a short while
my home
is somewhere
further
a small away off
in the trenches
among the craters holes
of mud and blood
left behind
by falling shells
one day
they will bury
my lice and me
(whether I am dead
or not)
did I happen to mention
my rat
he will remain
when I must leave
good luck to him
and may he die
a glutton
certainly
I hope he dies
a glutton
Quite horrific. You are doing well with this project
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Thanks Derrick. Just for that, another one. 🙂
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Excellent, Frank. 🙂
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Thank you Hélène. Some of these pictures transport me to where the words live.
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Excellent! Really excellent.
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Thanks Anne.
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I am so glad you posted this on Facebook and that I found it. Absolutely stunningly awesome.Frank. I have a lot of reading to do!
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Glad you found them, Walt. There will be more, I hope.
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What inspired you to do these if I may ask? They are wonderful.
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Walt, I’ve been very moved by the picture of Ivor Marietta grave – the cross illuminated in a field of desolation – for a long time. I looked for it an SC found it. One thing leads to another, I suppose.
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You are a very taented poet my friend, and this series sis pointing that out.
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I just read a report of his deathtainly well thought of and respected by his men. He was a a tall, distinguised looking officer. The photos of the cross at his grave are so sad and I can see why you are moved by them. Thank you for sharing this Frank.
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My pleasure, Walt.
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😊
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