One Hundred Years On the Unknown Soldier

I used to wonder if I’d get through This war to end all wars Ever get me a wife and a child A home with grandchildren too. Mum cried when I signed up But I did it for her as well I was no frightened young pup The honour, the glory sounded swell. For king and country we all must fight To protect our kith and kin I remembered she cried to sleep that night When her baby boy was called in. I was a man, a hero; you never know it could be fun But none died like they did in the picture-house No hero standing blowing in the barrel of his gun Men didn’t fall silent as the proverbial mouse. One minute they were there, the next they were gone Some vanished in misty red mud and air Friends for life, or seconds, fell one by one Life sucked out painfully, cruelly, not fair. I wondered if I would ever take a wife How I curse this war had begun But in my heart, I know I will not live this life I am sure now as the setting of the evening sun. Mourn me please those that gave me the chance to live I’m stunned into silence, no thoughts just fears I know now there is nothing more I can give Remember, I love you, please don’t shed many tears. Will I go home, have children and glory Will somebody know of me one hundred years on Will somebody find me and tell my story No Kith or Kin, will all memory be gone? © MT