The longest day, for me, decades ago,
When fighting Japan's best for twelve long hours,
Just as we thought the battle had been won,
E're set the sun, the order was put forth:
'Lay down your arms, 'tis prisoners now you be!'

The shortest day - ah yes!
Now in my eighties, days are fleeting fast.
The sun has barely ris'n before it sets;
So days, months, years now scurry on their way.
Today is always shorter than the day that went before.

Len Baynes

copyright © the author, 2000