Bleeding Blue

Written by Mark Glenn Anthony

Together we marched as one, stood stedfast in solidarity,
forever united, under one colour of comradery.

With our shoes polished, shirts pressed, we stood tall,
with distinction and honour we answered the call.

As the task at hand, required immediate action,
we stood to attention, without any hesitation.

For community, loved ones and strangers like you,
we answered the call of duty and sadly bled blue.

The hours long, the call outs demanding,
determined to end all shifts, with every man standing.

The violence, abuse, death, destruction and more,
was forever knocking, at the thin blue door.

The images we hold because of the things we’ve seen,
forever haunt our sleep and torment our dreams.

For community, loved ones and strangers like you,
we answered the call of duty and sadly bled blue.

Bones snapped, teeth broken, bodies bruised and battered,
leaving our mental state and overall wellbeing, completely shattered.

Our loved ones, family, neighbours and friends,
no longer see us the same, for this they can’t comprehend.

Our injuries and illnesses have changed us beyond belief,
and there’s no quick fix or pill for our immediate relief.

For community, loved ones and strangers like you,
we answered the call of duty and sadly bled blue.

We are cast off, medically retired and simply discarded,
by a service, our people, the public; left with nothing, just broken hearted.

We struggle to pay bills and live a normal existence,
while all the time, combat bureaucratic and political resistance.

Remember, we stood for what’s right, protected and served,
and simply ask for recognition and compensation for which we deserve.

For community, loved ones and strangers like you,
we answered the call of duty and sadly bled blue.