Of noble birth and privilege, his path was always set
to leave a mark, do something big for country and for king.
Though scholarly achievements paled with targets barely met,
his entry in the milit'ry would be the next best thing.
And drawn to action he'd become a soldier and a hack.*
He'd travel far, engage and write on wars that raged abroad.
But politics with all their sway would bring this young man back
to Britain where, in roles of State, his name and prestige soared.
As First Lord of the Admir'lty, he aimed to build up might
to counter the offensive that the Great War* had then wrought.
But fall from grace would see him leave and off to France to fight;
still full of fire he yearned for more, true gravitas was sought.
Elected then a second time, he rose to lofty heights
of Chancellor* for sev'ral years though times were changing fast.
His party didn't share his view, instead had set their sights
on peaceful terms, no matter what (their lessons from the past).
But this man sensed the risks still posed, that Hitler was intent
to spread his creed, dictate his will to reach beyond his land.
Appeasement would just make us weak, the Fuehrer's mind was bent
on Europe where he'd start his war to dominate, expand.
And Churchill with impassioned words would fire the nation's heart,
to offer up the gift of toil with sweat and blood and tears.
With coalition* set in place, he paved the way to start
a victory, however long and etched in death and fears.
This war would thus take steel and grit to see it to the end,
to build a strong alliance* that would overcome the foe
and never flinch through bloodshed years and suffering to send
a message that we'd never fail but doggedness would grow.
An image of his sturdiness, his Homburg* and his V*,
cigar in mouth, his hasty walk would comfort and inspire.
This orator with speech that roused the West would always be
a presence through the darkest hours, the tragic, hellish mire.
And at the close, this patriot with childhood dream and drive
would lead with pride and fight to save our precious liberty.
By never doubting what was right and keeping hope alive,
he earned his stripes* in excellence - this man of destiny.
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