Untimely ripped from their homes and families

Heading for regions remote and unknown

Handed over to strangers, to strange atmospheres in strange places,

No wonder apprehension became fear, reserved became clammed up,

Adventure soured, its exuberance put down.

No wonder stairs whispered disconcerting stories

And curtains shivered with ghostly and worse presences.

Unfamiliar darkness confirming every word

Reinforced by the comforts, their dreams told them, turned to lies

For dawn did not spread same sunlight as home.

Submitted to Aircrew Remembered by David Lockyer. David holds the copyright and permission must be sought to reprint, thank you.