Tail-End Charlie
by Richard
Belly cold, in the dark he rides,
Lancaster's tail, where the danger hides
Tail-end Charlie, the loneliest soul,
a speck of dust 'gainst the fiery whole
Four engines roar, a symphony grim,
a bomber's ballet, a deadly hymn
He scans the inky black, a watchful eye,
for the Messerschmitt's bite, the flak that flies
His fingers grip the guns, a steady hand,
the bomber's shield, the last line of sand
Tail-end Charlie, a hero unsung,
guarding his brothers, their victory sprung
Icy wind whips, through the perspex dome,
tracers like streaks, lighting up his home
He fights the bite, the endless strain,
a sleepless vigil, a pouring rain
Of fear and sweat, as the bomber pounds,
enemy cities, on hallowed grounds
The bombs fall heavy, a fiery rain,
a sacrifice made, for freedom's gain
He knows the danger, the ever-present threat,
but courage unyielding, he won't back down yet
Though history whispers, their names may fade,
their bravery echoes, a debt we've all paid
Tail-end Charlie, the lone wolf's cry,
a guardian angel, soaring in the sky