NaPoWriMo. Day 25. Today’s prompt is to write a Ballard. I have written one about war because that is what a lot of Ballard’s are about
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THE BALLARD OF HELMAND
They all flew into Helmand with sunshine in their eyes
Ready for the heat and smells but they did not expect the flies.
Their new kits at the ready, their rifles virgin new
A newly striped Sergeant ready to tell them what to do.
Oh! keep your heads down boys look for those I.E.D.s
Remember what we said, keep your eyes peeled please
They were settled into barracks and found out were to eat
Bottled water came in handy and mum’s sun lotion worked a treat.
They were all excited when ready for their first patrol
All of them on on edge not sure what would unfold
Oh! keep your heads down boys look for those I.E.D.s
Remember what we said, keep your eyes peeled please
They all set off together with everything intact
But almost at once,they heard the bang and felt the impact.
They realized they were not safe, no one out here was their friend
Out on their first patrol, two dead, and in the handlers arms, his loyal dog’s life ends.
Oh! keep your heads down boys look for those I.E.D.s
Remember what we said, keep your eyes peeled please
They all fly into Brize Norton their families watch the skies
Brothers , sisters,mothers, wives and children all with tears in their eyes.
They all left for Helmand shiny bright and new
That’s not how they return though you all know that is true
Oh! keep your heads down boys look for those I.E.D.s
Remember what we said, keep your eyes peeled please
willowdot21 