Memoirs of an Officer and a Gentleman

- Prologue-

Walking through the city after recent rain

heard ancient stones all shining murmur where are they?

How long before next hero's day

and the splendid show of drum and gun.

Walking by the river one September eve

saw questions rise in circles on that old dark stream.

Where now are those who dared to dream

they would leave one jewel in England's hand.

Gone to sleep they lie in flowered graves

for the visitors and Guidebook saved.

But come the trumpet shattered dawn

will the spirit they shared be reborn.

Comrades in arms, may they rise, fight and shine again,

till "who goes there", will be answered with friend again.

Once there stood a man, alone, sword in his hand.

In the face of the teeth and flame -

and it was all in England's name.

I was told how she grew, she alone shone her light on everyone.

And if you made the first eleven then you'd be sure to get to heaven,

like the captain of the school.

I was taught how to win

and to lose with that "get you next time" smile,

Learned Latin verbs in fear of a beating

and for years thought central heating,

was for just old people's homes.

I was raised on the past, the Tower and Saint Paul's and Westminster

escorted well-bred girls to dances, and learned to drive a horse in harness,

through the English countryside.

I was taught to behave, like an officer and a gentleman,

and when I finally marched from Sandhurst

I learned to put my fellow man first

and there was daily talk of war.

I spent 1938 in the United States of America,

I grew to love it's many faces, and they had built some amazing places,

and I thought they´d come in on our side.

- Love at first sight -

Girls, oh there were girls

but they were just part of the social whirl

and I never took much notice

until the night that I met you.

Standing out there alone

out on the terrace under the moon

from the moment that I kissed you

my life turned into a dream.

I knew I loved you at first sight

and that you loved .. me.

Was it really happening, or was it a dream ?

I asked if you'd be mine

feeding the white doves by the Serpentine

and when you said forever

I know that I almost cried.

You all in white

the tears and the laughing

nearly losing the damn ring

Yes, I do ... Yes, I will... keep you from harm.

Those few short days

we spent together

remembered forever

all the plans - for the house and for the children.

I know I loved you at first sight

and that you loved..me.

Did it really happen then, or was it a dream ?

I knew when I saw your face

opening orders, the time and the place

oh, don't worry it won't last long

and I won't be far away

I'll try to write every day.....

- Letters from the front -

Got your letters at the front today

if you like the house we´ll buy it straight away.

Yes, it´s great now you´re a full-time nurse

but do be careful with the air-raids - getting worse.

Must end now .. the push is on...we´re moving out...

all my love...see you soon.

I'm writing to you on a convoy moving west

it's hell out here but we´re all trying to do our best.

I learned today that I get two weeks leave in June

this time I promise you a real honeymoon.

Must end now...take care my love...you're all the world

to me my love...see you soon.

The telegram...dropped from my hand

she was all I had...I just don't understand

I see her now...in that white dress she wore

those eyes and that smile

no one else...nevermore.

Decorations and respect inside the club

aren't compensation when you lose the one you love.

But in the end, all that is left

Is the regiment and what it means

to be...an officer and a gentleman...