What to say, I've just returned from a short break abroad and am shocked by what has happened. in my several years of service I had the honour and pleasure of flying with most of the dudes. Six of whom were mates who I had a lot of respect for as I do for most of my Nimrod ex-colleagues (I left 3 months ago). My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones, not forgetting the Army dudes. Thanks for the memories Gez, Gary, Ady, GaryQ, Gareth and SteveB, from the serious to the downright funny and bloody daft! I was staring at the front page, seeing you all and trying to make sense of things and after a while this spilled out of my head:
Racing clouds powered by the wind.
As across the sky they fly.
The azure backdrop like a blank artist canvas.
Highlighting their fluid shapes.
The early autumn breeze turns the leaves into
Dancing partners in a falling fandango.
And makes my eyes wince as tears stream.
I have to strain through the blurred, wet curtain.
My throat swelling with sorrow as I sit.
And comprehend the awful fate befallen.
On friends with whom I grew from boy to man.
Their faces as I need to remember them.
Smiling at me from the front page.
I look back to the sky and see them.
Raising their glasses with a wink in their eye.
I smile back,
'Ops normal mate,' they whisper, 'Ops normal.'
R.I.P. Dudes, laters.
Last edited by FreddieQ; 7th Sep 2006 at 22:20.
Reason: accuracy