Poem - THE BOXER WHO WON AND LOST W

THE BOXER WHO WON AND LOST

1939 to 1943, You know, The War

To end all Wars.

The War that was going to give Hitler

His much declared 1000 Year Reich.

and I was a Member of the poor bloody Infantry.

You join - look smart in uniform.

Our Hero is going to win The War.

You go in to glorious action,

  the Western Desert - The burning sun

The Stukas dive their dirty work done

Echoes of Machine Gun fire and

Rag Dolls that were once your Pals.

You survive but now you’re a P.O.W

Only a number, no longer a personality

Two years in Italy--- still you hang on

The Germans are being beaten

Our side has won

But No    They come for you again,

This time Germany is a new Pen.

You survive, for exercise you take up Boxing

As a Springbok you represent South Africa

      to do battle with Aussies Kiwis

      Tommies and Yanks.

Under the arc Lights the Ring --  Professional

Your time has come   You Climb into the Ring

A sea of faces   The roar of the crowd

The umpire says  “keep it clean.”

You face a Kiwi ex Coal Heaver.

He punches you and you quiver

      from head to foot

You punch him and your fist

      feels like it hit  a brick wall

Three rounds you go fighting all the way.

A hiding you got the worst in your life

He won of course - - You are happy to go to bed.

Next morning they call you,   The bloke you fought

                            Is  Disqualified.

He was a professional not a novice as he declared

You have to face another fight,

“Oi Vay” you say I Won…..but have I lost.

by Hillie Feldman 8th December 1998