Leonard H

Another Country

Let me rest here for a while
Wipe my eyes and try to smile

I see by reading upon your stone
You died at 21 and you died alone.

You passed away in this country not long ago
But fighting for what I do not know.

I must have been lucky it never happened to me
A landmine I was very lucky I did not have to see

Perhaps instead of Northern Ireland
Another country, another waste of life, is awaiting me.

Leonard also took part in the project at the Probation Hostel. He had been writing poems for many years, but had never felt they were worth keeping. Like Shaun, he had written many poems for others when he was in prison. These lines recall when he served in the army.