Cowering in a rotten shelter
watching the ocean
bringing drizzle into harbour
shivered the begger,
poorly clad, hat and scarfless
and weak with hunger.
Remembering the day when
this place saw men,
enemy gunned and running
through wire, barbs
splitting uniformed skin, for
safety of boats heading
toward shores unknown and
he was among them.
Then he felt youthful pride
and strength of limb
but mind-wounded and sans
one leg as hero-unsung
he stumbled back, homeless,
to end up begging.
Where is the welcoming rest
for such-like men ?