re SNAFU

A/N: This is a samsong ( a poetry form invented by R S Gwynn) used to summarise events in the fic written by Snooky-9093. The same two Military Intelligence characters appear in follow up fics also…FUBAR, TARFU, SUSFU and Truth is Stranger than Fiction…all well worth having a look at:-)

Warning…this poem contains the odd spoiler.

Here's a downed pilot, named Captain McGraw…

~0~

Here are misgivings at all he has seen,

In his week as a prisoner in Stalag Thirteen,

~0~

Here's Colonel Hogan, who dines and plays chess,

In the Kommandant's own private quarters, no less,

And who helps to preserve his escape-free success.

~0~

Here is McGraw, who escaped and returned

To his base, to report all the details he's learned,

And here is a Major, sincerely concerned

At the gravest of grave implications discerned.

~0~

Here's where he chats to the next man in line,

And here's where the threads of suspicion combine,

As a plot is mapped out which will help to divine

If a once loyal Colonel now helps undermine

The Allies intent, for his own dark design.

~0~

Here are two agents, Intelligence guys,

Named Boswell and Garrett, who soon organise

A trip to the camp in Gestapo disguise.

Dense woodlands surround it; they note with surprise,

Lax guards, no raised barracks and all that implies;

A potential black market, a rogue enterprise.

~0~

Here's Colonel Hogan, they drive him away

From his barracks; the purpose of this…who can say?

And here are his comrades who watch in dismay;

Those steadfast companions he'll never betray.

Here is the panic he's keeping at bay,

And here is the innocent air on display,

As he tries not to dwell on the price he might pay.

~0~

Here are his men; as they watch their friend go,

Their worries and fears and uncertainties grow.

And here is a call through their own radio,

Confirming that nobody else seems to know

Who the kidnappers are; it's a terrible blow,

And the underground haven't found traces to show

Where the Colonel and captors are now lying low.

And here is the verdict on progress…too slow…

~0~

Here is the Colonel, a bed, a locked door;

He thinks he has slept for three hours, maybe four.

He stands, scans the room, then he checks it once more;

No bugs, no ways out, and no peepholes, he's sure.

Here is a sandwich, and water to pour,

Which is probably safe…though they drugged him before.

And here, steps approaching…soft tread on the floor,

He'll be questioned again, perhaps worse is in store.

And here is cold dread which he tries to ignore…

~0~

Here come the questions, again and again;

So…who's Papa Bear? A persisting refrain.

His role in the Stalag; perhaps he'll explain

The "No escape" rule which he helps to maintain.

His comrades are mentioned, the threat is writ plain,

But with no indication of reason or gain.

Oh, and here are some handcuffs, a chair, a sharp pain..

For here is a truth drug, and here is a vein…

~0~

Here's Colonel Hogan, who cannot decide

If he spilled all he knows or if drugs were defied.

Now the agents declare that they're on the same side,

But are certain their prisoner has something to hide.

They need to do more, crack this case open wide,

So they'll take him back home to be questioned and tried.

And here is the code they will need…classified…

~0~

Here is a "package" to move, and right there,

In the hands of two strangers, their lost Papa Bear!

Eight guns on two agents, who bluster and stare,

As the Colonel's uncuffed and returned to his lair,

Through a stump and down tunnels with secrets to share.

And here are those agents, each cuffed to a chair…

~0~

Here is the penny which drops as they hear

Of the Colonel's achievements, long year upon year;

Of a small band of heroes; unique, without peer.

And here is a pause, as they wait with some fear,

For their eagerly offered credentials to clear.

~0~

Here is relief that their story holds true,

When their names, ranks, and orders are swiftly sent through,

And…here is release from their handcuffing, too…

But who set this up, caused this hullabaloo?

~0~

Here are top brass who are happy to claim

That the other departments are solely to blame.

A not unexpected, dispiriting game…

~0~

And here, three months later, a message received,

A plane to be found, crew and pilot retrieved…

~0~

And…here's that downed pilot, named Captain McGraw…

~0~