Death of a P.O.W.

POW/MIA: Bushranger's Revetment - Poetry and Stories by Vietnam Veteran, Anthony W. (Bushranger) Pahl and friends

After more than thirty years
     the cell house door is now unlocked
And the weapons of the armed guards
     are unloaded and uncocked.
The marks scratched in the red mud floor
     are no longer sharp and clear;
The bamboo cage is rotting
     and huge rats no longer feared.
Steel manacles on wrists and ankles
     are long corroded by brown rust,
And dreams of freedom’s flavour hide
     under blankets of timeless dust.

This loved and loving human
     who never made it home from War
Lived and died with a cross marked name
     inscribed upon a Wall.
For all time past and present,
     and for all time yet unborn
Cries of this forgotten soul will sound
     in those who dare to mourn.

Page created: Wednesday, 31 July 2002