Tail-End Charlie

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