1942- The Curious Case Of Cpl Fletcher (Kia) Poem by Martin Lochner

20 May 1942 –France

1

escaping Messerschmitt bullets
and dodging Nazi street patrols
a Notre dame cathedral must do

laying on a ancient tomb stone
fearing the worst while axes
and tanks have their go on the
great vaulted door.

Anticipating the inevitability of
rigor mortis Corporal Fletcher
still finds time to read the inscription

here lays François Vilion
crusader
husband
and father

2

Templar relic bones whispers
through its porous breathe oracle tales
of this one young knights despair

3
Jerusalem 1452

Lord, shatter the courage of our king
My campaign longs home to the heat of my wife
And the laughs of my only child.

4

The king’s directive before the eve of battle:

Steer the battle away from holy Jerusalem
Direct and force Saladin into the plains
And protect the flanks with the cavalry

Keep the line
Never break
Push forward young knights till its destructive
Conclusion

Write your letters
Pray your prayers
Lyceum or home
Victory is ours
God wills it

5

A knight’s last correspondence

Do not prepare for my homecoming
Kept the hearth cold and clean

Tomorrow I will dine with our lord
In the kingdom of God


6

A pattern of thuds kills Corporal Fletcher.
And in his last correspondence to his wife
This vision is told.