GWR thousands used to employ
Still it’s nice to reminisce
When a train ride to the sea was sheer bliss
Cycling was a joy
When I was a boy
We would cycle to “Bassett” with a mate on the bar
And hardly ever see a car
Wootton Bassett was then a small country town
Now through fate it has world renown
It is in the county of Wilts
And has an ancient town hall built on stilts
If only those walls could talk
As between the pillars we walk
Over the years many celebrations it’s seen
Weddings and coronations of kings and our queen
History books tell us of wars in the past
The Great War was supposed to be the last
Till Hitler decided Poland to invade
And Chamberlain his “ we are at war” speech made
VE- day was an epic event
Since then to various conflicts our troops have been sent
Repatriations are on the increase
From foreign conflicts that do not cease
From the current one ,the “fallen ” to RAF Lyneham fly in
That’s where the sad journeys begin
When the church bell tolls all is quiet and still
As the cortege comes up over the hill
When at the cenotaph it arrives
We mourn the loss of so many lives
A new generation are paying the ultimate price
Why oh why can’t everyone be nice?
British legion members salute with pride
As the standards are lowered side by side
Complete silence as the cortege passes by
In the crowd many a tear in the eye
Lining the street are both young and old
What will the toddlers by their mothers be told
Continuing the journey more homage is paid
We are proud of the effort we have made
As the convoy finally departs
We return home with heavy hearts
The world should be a wonderful place
Whatever has happened to the human race?
G.E.Maller
September 2009
