S.O.S. — Canada
dedicated to our Canadian Armed Forces in Action
"SOS! Mayday! Free world countries! No time
to spare!
Overwhelmed! Can't hold on! We know you must
care!
Silence? Please reply! ... Why such silence? So
unfair!"
Troops trained, Afghanistan bound, all armed
with hope,
Objectives explained, orders resound, enlisted
will cope.
Onward brave warriors, devotion deserves much
praise!
United in firm resolve, democracy's flag, you
shall raise,
Reinforcing Afghans against Terrorists in
strategic ways.
"Calling! Afghanistan here! ! Respond! Why
do you wait?
Ailing souls huddled in fear! Beyond hope!
Sealed fate!
Nameless dead lying near! Scores lost, buried by
sand!
Abominable anguish! Canada restore amity to our
land!
Death creates languish! Reassure us to make a
stand;
Injustice, oppression reigns! Forced to fight!
Or, retreat!
Attack by guerillas maintains. Need help or face
defeat!
Nations! Your task remains! React! Or, 9-11 will
repeat!"
Aching hearts resist exchanging long last
farewells now,
Reaching out, caressing arms, parting promises
vowed,
Menacing doubts, smarting smiles, faithful
fading faces,
Ensuing hot-cold tears, jaws clenched, eager
embraces,
Dreams shattered, stinging sorrow, transient
time races.
Fierce suicide bombers, road-side assassins,
from hell!
Our stolid soldiers seek out theTalaban, hidden
so well;
Rallied NATO militia unify to construct and
fight as one;
Causalities arise, some, supreme price paid,
duty done;
Exhausted, many mournful receive their beloved
losses,
Strengthened by the holy spirit must carry their
crosses.
In living memorials, Amazing Grace' sad
bagpipes play,
Noble valorous sacrifice our armed forces chose
to pay.
Angelic heroes at rest in white-red maple leaf
flag draped,
Coined symbols, Canadian military history being
shaped;
To all our loving soldiers, we owe a debt we
cannot repay;
Icons of true spirit etched in the annals of our
time to stay;
Oath of allegiance sworn, vigilant to uphold
world peace,
Now, forever more, we render you homage without
cease.
by Richard D. Briggs
... who is a retired English teacher and headmaster, having also
worked in dyeing and printing, pulp and paper research,
automotive parts and steel mill stock control, and electronics.
His publication credits include poetry: "Life Begins at Death's
Door" (2003), "The World Shall Rise As One" (2004),
"Rejuvenation" (2005), "On a Cold October Day" (2005), "Manitou
Fields" (2005); and a novel entitled Hooked on Fish Tales
(1985).
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