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"Over The Top!" was the battle cry of the First World War!
At the Captain's signal, from the trenches doughboys would pour!
Shoulder to shoulder with bayonets fixed, steel glinting in the sun,
On they rushed, some to live, others to die, to face the fearless Hun!

On they raced through no-man's land, through the mud and gore,
Midst the din of the muskets' rattle and the cannons' roar!
The once bucolic field was now imbued in blood with so little gain.
Alas, many were maimed and hundreds from both sides were slain.

Sleep doesn't come easily as gallant men await the break of day.
Thoughts of home and happier times helped their fears allay.
Many turned their dog-eared Bibles to the Twenty-Third Psalm,
To read by flickering candlelight that ancient message of calm.

Life in the trenches was certainly not a life of ease.
It was cold and damp with water up to the knees.
Mail was sparse and a warm meal was rather rare.
Occasionally, poisonous gases crept stealthily through the air.

Why do men press on in battle when they know they're apt to die?
Is it because of their Sergeant's leadership or his rallying cry?
Is it his love of country and freedom that he hopes will turn the tide?
Nae! He fears that he'll let his buddy down who soldiers at his side!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)

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