With a tap on the shoulder
I felt the pressure as he laid his hand on my shoulder. Turning round I saw a tall well turned out chap. His uniform was immaculate. The red band on his cap, told me all I needed to know.
Yes I had taken an army lorry and left without permission… But I had heard that my brother was close by. Denied leave I went anyway. It was the last time I saw him.
This Post Has 33 Comments
To defy orders can be courageous, and to accept responsibility for his actions is nob;
Happy Burns night, I hope nob means noble
Absent without leave soldiers give the Red Caps something to do.
They certainly do.
The quiet ominous tap. Very good Michael.
What a lovely comment, thank you
An intriguing look at soldiers, Well done.
A long time back I considered a career in the army, deep down I must have known that I was not ideal material…
Nicely told, Michael.
Sometimes one’s gotta do what one’s gotta do, consequences and all. Well penned. And, yes, alas too real for too many today, whose lives are torn by war, again.
Thank you Na’ama,
A story told from the heart.
Thank you Dawn, you are right
Always fear the tap on the shoulder.
Especially when it comes from behind you…
It’s a good thing he went with his instinct. Even those who come back are never the same.
Yes war is cruel,
Rules have to be broken for family.
I some situations it is understandable…
Excellent Michael 🙂
Thank you for your find comment
Well done. The truth is told.
Indeed it was
I’m so glad he was able to see his brother one last time. After all he went through, I was afraid the tap on his shoulder was a MP. Well penned, Michael!
Thank you so much…
A reminder and a terrible loss. Nicely written.war is a hideous useless thing.
Thank you Laurie, useless indeed it is
Difficult reality and the fact he never saw his brother again makes it doubly poignant. Really good writing, Michael.
Thank you Jade…Warfare is cruel.
Dear Michael,
Short, to the point and not so sweet. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you Rochelle, for all that you do…
I’m glad he went anyway and got to see his brother for the last time. We often regret the things we didn’t do. Nicely told.
Sometimes needs must…