FanStory.com - The Quadriplegicby tfawcus
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level
A short war story
The Quadriplegic by tfawcus

He enlisted at sixteen,
trained for a few months
and was sent to the trenches.
His war lasted less than a day.

When the order came to attack
he was hit by friendly fire
from behind.

I saw him, fifty years later
In a sunny corner of the ward,
studying the racing pages
from the comfort of his wheelchair.

Against all the odds,
he had eventually become good
at picking a winner.

Recognized

Author Notes
When working as a hospital porter some fifty years ago my duties included turning the patients to prevent bed sores. He was a heavy man with a surprisingly light spirit. He has continued to haunt my memory all these years. This was my first understanding of the reality of war.

     

© Copyright 2024. tfawcus All rights reserved.
tfawcus has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.




Be sure to go online at FanStory.com to comment on this.
© 2000-2024. FanStory.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Privacy Statement