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 
Apr 25, 2013 @ 21:38:06
Thank you for this post.
Apr 25, 2013 @ 21:40:57
It is not the first I have written on this subject. Have you been involved.
Apr 25, 2013 @ 23:44:35
Love the ballard. You touched on a contemporary scourge. Old people make war and young people die. We never learn, do we? So sad, that last image.
Apr 26, 2013 @ 06:06:17
I did not plan to write about the war but the first two lines started buzzing around in my head demanding to be used. Yes it is the old people who send the young people off to war. We as humans seem incapable of learning too much money involved, no doubt. The sad images of dead soldiers being repatriated will not stop any time soon sadly I doubt that we will learn any time soon…..
Apr 26, 2013 @ 16:26:33
A fitting and wonderful tribute to the ‘boys’ Willow.. ,For tho’ they start out as youngsters they age through the harshness of the war experience… xPenx
Apr 26, 2013 @ 16:47:19
I am so glad you think it is I was touched by this subject it got into my head and demanded to be written!xxxxxx
Apr 26, 2013 @ 22:26:56
Excellent, Willow.
You really are rocking this whole month out. Just fantastic.
You put us right there, & not feeling safe when you hear that blast. They are heroes, yes.
Apr 27, 2013 @ 11:15:29
Yes they are heroes, they go out young and they come back dead or wounded, even if are they are not physically wounded they are mentally. How are you coping you are always supporting me I hope you and Daniel are good. xxxxx
Apr 27, 2013 @ 11:41:47
Very well done… I love this! 😀
Apr 27, 2013 @ 11:43:18
Thank you , I think it is close to most of our hearts. xxx
Apr 27, 2013 @ 12:21:49
I agree! Blessings~
Apr 27, 2013 @ 13:41:21
😉 😉 🙂