"I did not intend writing a song - I have never written a song before"

In a recent Email from Nigel Turnbull, complimenting both me for my website, and Tommy Roach for his Poems, Nigel explained how, one evening,  inspired by his first Pilgrimage to World War Two Cemeteries, he just 'doodled' a verse. Next morning, he read the verse, deleted it, and then wrote the first three verses of
 "For That Tomorrow"
Later he spent many weeks polishing the words and making it less British and more Universal.

      For that Tomorrow

(1) I stand here alone
     with loved ones to hand;
     my tributes to lay
     on this salient land.
     The voices within
     as mem'ries unfold
     of a comrade at peace now
     who shall grow not old.

(2) A tree gives me shade
     in gardens so fine;
    a stone with inscription
     that goes beyond time.
     The headstones are neat
     in rows marching past
     and the names of the fallen,
     forever will last.

(3) A son kneels to touch
     his father's cold stone;
     a tear in his eye for
     a friend long since gone.
     A woman stands proud,
     with medals on show,
     for a husband who died that
     his children might grow.

(4) Recorded in stone
     and gun metal grey,
     those heroes in silence
     look down as we pray.
     The standard is dip'd,
     the flowers are laid
     then the music is sounded
     and homage is paid.

(5) They left us a torch
     to carry with pride
     and hope for a future
     where peace can abide.
     I dream of a life,
     that's lived without fear,
     it is for that tomorrow
     our people lie here.

© June 2006 Nigel J.C. Turnbull

Anzio War Cemetery, Italy                        Photo: Susie Swarbrick