Written in 2013
Neither Simpson nor his donkey will be awarded a VC
so say the brass of Australia’s gallant military
and for that they are applauded by the army’s hierarchy.
Simpson didn’t want a war – he didn’t want to fight
but he and his donkey tried to do what’s right
they retrieved his wounded comrades day and night.
For weeks at Anzac Cove they wandered though the mayhem
saving those they could save burying others in their grave
when a Turkish bullet killed him he died the death of the brave.
Yet no Victoria Cross for him – because he didn’t want to kill.
Does the Army think that only those who fight for the thrill
can be truly brave or is it scared that recognising Simpson
might lead others to see that there are many kinds of bravery?
Copyright © 2024 John Tomlinson