The Gulf In The Eye Of The Other

In this episode I recount a sniper attack upon a joint army / RUC foot patrol in West Belfast. To better relate the incident I have characterised both state and non-state actors. I have also used a narrative framework to provide a clearer image of those involved. This account is lifted from personal involvement as well as information available to me at the time, and later. As ever, names and some details have been omitted or altered.The primary characters in this episode are:Dee - a member of a PIRA Belfast Active Service UnitSamuel - a British Army a PFC based in Springfield Road RUC Station, BelfastSandy - a RUC neighbourhood officer stationed in Springfield Road RUC--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Law in the Country of Cats When two men meet for the first time in allEternity and outright hate each other,Not as a beggar-man and a rich man,Not as cuckold-maker and cuckold,Not as bully and delicate boy, butAs dog and wolf because their blood beforeThey are aware has bristled into their hackles,Because one has clubbed the other to death[...]When two men at first meeting hate each otherEven in passing, without words, in the street,[...]There will be that moment's horrible pauseAs each looks into the gulf in the eye of the other,Then a flash of violent incredible action,Then one man letting his brains gently to the gutter[...]Ted Hughes   Click here if you’d like to send me a comment or question. Thank you.Support the showMédecins Sans FrontièresUnicefPEN International