There are few places.
From where you can see.
‘Orcs’-occupied territory.
With the naked eye in Ukraine.
The western bank.
Of the Dnipro river.
In the city of Kherson.
Is one of them.
You can’t see.
The ‘orcs’ troops on the other.
Low, marshy riverbank.
But you know they’re there.
In a snow-covered park.
In Kherson.
You meet a mobile air-defence team.
Under an archway.
Drones mean the ‘orcs’.
Can’t hide anywhere.
Within 10km of.
The front line.
But, crucially.
The invaders are doing.
Exactly the same.
To the ‘elves’.
Mobile air defence units.
In Kherson are.
Constantly on the move.
To avoid detection.
You’re told to move.
In small groups.
Because of watching.
‘Orcs’ drones.
As you stride forward.
In your body armour.
Dog-walkers turn away from you.
With a slight look of confusion.
“My call sign is King.”
Says a unit deputy commander.
In the 124th Territorial Defence Brigade.
With a fist bump.
They’re gathered around.
A UK-registered truck with.
A .50 calibre machine gun.
Mounted on the back.
“We work 24/7.
We destroy.
All kinds of drones.
Mainly Iranian-made Shaheds.”
Mobile air defence units.
In Kherson are.
Constantly on the move.
To avoid detection.
“‘Orcs’ factories are.
On a military footing.
They are constantly.
Increasing their power.”
“At this point, it’s relentless.”
So does King think ‘elves’ forces.
Could cross the river.
In large numbers this year?
“It’s hard to think about.
We’re just doing our jobs.
To make sure it happens.
As soon as possible.”
Under constant drone surveillance.
And enemy bombardment.
Life has gradually drained.
From Kherson’s streets.
Aside from.
A limited crossing.
Further up.
The Dnipro.
Near the town of Krynky.
‘Elves’ attacks here.
Are only probing.
And require patience.
*Because I read “In Ukraine’s river war, drones mean nowhere is safe” by James Waterhouse on 22 Jan 2024, and also “Why are Ukrainians calling Russians ‘orcs’?” by James FitzGerald on 30 Apr 2022, on the BBC news.
So, I wrote this poem as a story of ‘King’ in the 124th Territorial Defence Brigade.
Please read the original story on the BBC news:
In Ukraine’s river war, drones mean nowhere is safe – BBC News
