Expeditionary force

Expeditionary force

They camped

Drove pegs deep into soft earth

At the edge of the sand

A north wind tugging at determination

A cruel night

The heat from the fire

A welcome relief

From sandborne spindrift

The sting of biters,

Finding new blood

Gorging themselves

On fresh meat.

Bacon sizzled, the smell

Different somehow

Better than it ever was

Cooked with the eggs

A last supper

Feasting as the sun sets.

The stars brokered a deal

Between neighbours

For which one would shine brightest

And the magic of a full moon

Drizzled into the sea.

The howl of a lone wolf

Kept distant

Haunted the shadows.

They were at peace,

If only for the briefest time

Before dawn’s bleary light

And the prospect

Of another trek

Into the wilderness

Searching for remnants

Of what was lost,

When the call to arms came

Too late.

Chasing honour

As only callow

Virgin soldiers do.

Believing the lie

Over blood and sweat.

The unstoppable motion

Of loosened bowels

The taste of salted tears

And the smell of fear

When the truth of it

Is felt,

Too late.