A Bury Hero Copyright © Victor Weston 2010

Donng … donng

The tolling bell of St Marys, Bury
Solemnly proclaims
As approaches the cortege of the slain warrior, this gunner

Donng … donng

Silent crowds alongside the way
From the Abbey Gardens
From whence the hearse has driven
Proceded by a dapper man from Fulchers, undertakers

Donng… donng

And a kilted piper, now silent, now making plaintive music
The British Legion members stand at attention
Outside the Church holding their standards, with respect

Donng … donng

The flypast of two fighter tornado jets overhead
Such waste of English blood
Such young life taken out, and for what?

Donng … donng

Into the building packed with mourners
Into the house of God, whose consolation
Is that beyond this life there is an eternity

The minister and the service are heard also by those outside
standing on the Angel Hill
How will they reflect on this solemn occasion, with anger, as well as grief?
What happened to "give peace a chance"
What will people make of his sacrifice, and this pernicious war