Private Ted Rule
Can a memory be so vidid. Or had the occasion been coloured by the constant repeating of the narrative, and the continuous powerful feelings, and the strong images - contained deep in one’s mind.
Did private Ted Rule: upon hearing the officer's whistle. Recall the exact moment when fixing his bayonet - then taking the first step upon the ladder to his death.
Then came the sounds of the incoming missiles.
To Ted’s ears: Ping! Ping!; blocked out the cries, shouts and the screams of his fellow comrades.
Forward... his ears are commanded: his feet follow the words: independently from his mind.
Now: Ted: unaware if his eyes are open or closed: follows his company up and over the *knoll (old english name for a hill) for there his duty called him.
—————-
Pray with me my God
God!
Take me out from the trenches:
from under this once blue sky:
now neither translucent or obscure:
glowing with crimson balls:
stricken with fear:
cease seeing further than my eyelids:
closed to filter the dust and the death.
God!
Have mercy on me:
shepherd my body through this torture:
guide me with your wisdom through this nightmare.
God!
Spare my sole from this death:
let me go forth and preach the holly gospel to all the un-willing ears.
—————
Private Ted Rule: stands upon the dirty earth of the battle field - the earth no longer green: its treasures trampled by soldiers boots. Where once maze, turnips and maybe sunflowers grew. Where once young lovers lay under the blue sky's of peace - enjoying first love. Unaware of this very day and of this very year.
_________
The light of God shines upon Ted: giving him the strength of Ulysses: freeing him from the comfort and thoughts of the new Testament. - (armageddon is upon him). This is the last battle between good and evil.
Ted finds himself head long into the line of fire.
The incoming missiles: Ping! Ping!: beside him: two small grey clouds surface - pushing earth to the left and to the right - another blending together: taking the arm of the man to his front.
Forward... his ears are commanded: his feet follow the words: independently from his mind.
Ted and his company: advance over hills and down valleys - across fields and through streams: avoiding the in coming missiles of death. No wear to hide. No hollows or mounds to shelter behind: nowhere to take cover.
“Trakh-ta-ta-takh!" came the crackle of death.
It was the bullet from Ted’s right: which had his name on it…
God! What actually took place:
eventually becomes the truth….
RIP.
