Repatriation
The leviathan of the sky does land
In England’s green and pleasant Land
Its cargo is more precious than gold
The body of a hero, bold

Once the giants’ engines stopped
The cargo ramp is gently dropped
Carried by six on shoulders true
The hero is saluted by the crew

The coffin draped in a union jack
Is slowly carried out the back
Out of the dark and into light
Slowly down the ramp and to the right

The six approach the hearse all black
And place the hero gently in the back
The six then turn and march away
Their duty has been done this day

Politicians usually have much to say
No sign of them near here today
They hide away and out of danger
Much easier if the hero is a stranger

The hearse with its precious load
Moves slowly out onto the road
The floral tributes line the route
While comrades snap a smart salute

At the edge of a Wiltshire town
The cortege slows its pace right down
The streets are packed, many deep
Some throw flowers, most just weep

The crowd have come to say farewell
The church bell rings a low death knell
Regimental standards are lowered down
As the hero passes through the town

The cortege stops and silence reigns
The townsfolk feel the family’s pain
The nations’ flag lowered to half mast
Our brave hero is home at last

Sgt Andy McFarlane, 2009.