Shot in the Buttocks
Based on a true event
I remember my dear old teacher, who often made the call
“Heads down and bums up”, meant for you to give your all
Little did I realise, when I faced future strife
Those simple words of wisdom, would nearly cost my life.
I went off to Vietnam, for reasons I believed
Though some of my old school mates, said I had been deceived
I always paid attention and so had little fear
Till a well aimed sniper’s bullet, caught me in the rear
They put me on a medivac and got me out of there
Safely back to “Vungers” and the best of medical care
I was left to wonder and I really racked my brain
Why so much fat and muscle, could cause me so much pain.
I watched the nurse approaching, her patience I would test
So, with a smile and a wink, I made a rude request
She said. “ I have a job to do and do it to the letter
For I am here to dress your wound, not kiss the damn thing better
“I have mended soldiers, for nigh on a full year
And thought I’d seen everything, until you showed up here
So you just settle down and watch your cheeky tone
You’re going back to Aussie, so don’t let me hear you moan”.
Now my lasting legacy, is a long and narrow scar
We often joke about it, as we gather around the bar
I still share my story, but only with good chums
I’m known to my old platoon, as the soldier with two bums.
I have so many memories, carried through the years
Even back in those dark days, I laughed away the tears
And even if they rib me, their comments I let pass
At least I know when I was hit, I wasn’t sitting on my arse.
By Tomas ‘Paddy’ Hamilton
14 July 2019
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