Last Salute

I’m standing here in ‘mufti’, polished medals on my chest

Standing like a daft old fool, my missus would suggest

Standing on the high street, in Wootton Basset town

Waiting for the cortège as it processes slowly down

The colours dip in sad salute as the heroes glide on by

Coffins draped with the Union Flag just as in days gone by

This silent mark of honour to the fallen of our land

Is something that our lass in doors will never understand

For though I didn’t know them by their number, rank and name

They are still my fallen comrades and I salute them just the same

Ernie Yeomans