Alone upon a hilltop,
Stood a piper boldly grand,
A soldier far away from home;
Scotland his homeland.
Sunset now behind him,
A lonely silhouette,
Hands upon the chanter,
So passionately set.
The finest of the finest,
The pride of Scotland’s best,
Black Watch Regimental medals,
Blazoned upon his chest,
Hot sun, not a hint of breeze,
To sway his pleated kilt.
His stoic comrade’s passion,
Would never ever wilt.
Troops standing at attention,
In the valley far below,
Heard the haunting melody,
As the tune began to flow.
“Amazing Grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see”
In perfect rank and file they stood,
Firearms reversed and still.
Lamenting sound filled the air,
Pipes melancholy shrill.
That Piper in the dying light,
Piped as nere before,
Haunting melody of pipes,
Brought shivers to the core.
Proud Scots, courageous men,
True soldiers one and all,
Called to war by their King,
They answered to the call.
They had come to honor heroes,
Those who’d lost their lives,
Men who’d left behind
Parents, children, wives;
Tears welling in the eyes,
Of those courageous men.
When would the next man die?
Not who, or why… but when.
Alf Hutchison
A true meaningful piece Alf my friend, you've created a diamond...lovely work 10+++
Well Alf, there's no contesting that you have clear vision and poetic lisence khehla. this poem is a very good read.
Expertly written in rhyme and rhythm with marvelous imagery and patriotic resonance. The last two lines boldly speak the truth. 10 Karin Anderson
Treble top marks for this one Alf. Beautifully written and a real pleasure to read. Everything combined in it to tell a wonderful story and the imagery was great. Could see it all in my minds eye. Excellent. Love and hugs Ernestine XXX
beautifully written, and a very touching poem alf.great work. ritty
Very beautifully written Alf you gave me goosebumps, well done.
Another fine poem Alf I know what is like to bury one of your own, pray I never have to do it again 10 Daniel
A haunting piece Alf, it tells a story and the imagery makes it so real, 10 Lynda xx
Alf, Having heard the bagpipes several times at close quarters, and being an ex servicewoman this poem haunts. Lisa
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Nice poem fellow...... going well! keep it up dear and we will have such poems by you.... hmmm 10.. Ali