Simon Berry
Born in the Midlands, educated in Yorkshire, worked for many years in Glasgow as a journalist , translator and writer. Former President of Scottish PEN and book pages editor on The Scotsman. Also lived in Sicily and Cyprus. Now lives in the Highlands and a member of the award-winning Ross-shire Writers Group.
Had first collection of poems published in 2014 (A Mask for Grieving & other poems FTRR Press). Has also written a biography of Victorian city poet Alexander Smith (Applauding Thunder 2013). Currently working on memoirs, working title If I’m Honest.
We are sending you
to prosecute our wars.
Just wars as are they all.
Accept this as our
commitment to you.
For your part think
adventure and travel
to unlikely locations
discover how you perform
in extreme situations.
Learn to prize your life.
Know we will surely
honour you if you lose it.
In a just war your sacrifice
becomes sweet and proper.
Add to the great glory
of youth your resolve
and courage that we
justly demand of you
on active service.
What happens to you
after this time of heroic
opportunities? You will be
rewarded with ribbons and
your peers’ esteem.
Then you will discover
the well-worn tales
you have been told
of gallantry and sacrifice
were just for bedtime
not for blood and anguish.
Simon Berry October 2022
Read more of Simon's writings by visiting our Library on Home Page.