Forgotten Heroes of the Somme

Over the top lads, for old Blighty! Hold the colours high!
Say a little prayer for me, for this summer day we die.
My brothers from the ripened field and blackened mill, shop floor, 
Your brother in a killing field to fight a rich man’s war.

In bloodied mud and shattered wood, fight legions of the brave,
Unwitting youth, you’ll do your duty until you’re in the grave.
A sergeant greets a fresh-faced boy, “welcome to the slaughter!”
Here you die from three diseases, bullet, gas or mortar.

In arms we fight together and in leaden hails we pass,
We die amongst the filth and stench that once was verdant grass.
“In the morning we will remember them” we hear the leaders call,
Those fickle words of history, will not remember us all.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Derden Avatar
October 2, 2025 at 7:49 AM
This stark, anti-war piece cuts through the glorification often associated with World War I poetry. Nice job.
Bass Avatar
December 15, 2024 at 6:16 PM
A great adulation to the 141 day battle!
De Beaulieu Avatar
February 20, 2019 at 5:17 PM
Hello Howard Bull, well done. So nice to meet you. Have a nice evening my friend.
Seahand Avatar
July 26, 2015 at 3:11 PM
At last, a poem crafted in the modern era by a bard to be respected.
Fleming Avatar
November 29, 2014 at 1:30 PM
Very nicely constructed poem, Howard. Some great lines...well done!! :) john.
Arribas Avatar
October 6, 2014 at 7:02 PM
A BUGLE CALL THAT NO ONE HEARS I AM INTERESTED IN WW1 SO YOU TOUCHED MY SENSES GOOD WORK
Trivandrum. Avatar
January 18, 2014 at 11:39 AM
Since the time of the Silver Poets of the Sixteenth Century, poets have been using this metrical form lesser and lesser. But it is beautiful. I was touched more by the rich musical content of this poem than by the theme of the futility of war. Perhaps this poet might be a fine dancer and musician which kind of people alone will produce such fine musical poems- musical poems mean real poems. We know, all our fine poets of the past were dancers and musicians, at least in their minds.
Ekechukwu Avatar
November 21, 2013 at 12:41 AM
A wonderful one dear friend. War is not a good scene and d pain is dat people lose their lives bcos of d selfishness of few. Big congrats to u and I enjoyed every bit of it. Alwaz, Bob- Based On Belief
Kithinji Avatar
August 3, 2013 at 8:47 AM
Here you die from three diseases- bullet, gas or mortar... And occasionally, friendly fire!
Fox Avatar
May 1, 2013 at 3:20 PM
You sell them cheap ! They were men like you and me - who knew what they were doing ! How dare you !
Wesley Avatar
January 2, 2013 at 2:59 PM
I've been reading of these things lately and it seems other people flesh is just another commodity to be traded for their gain. A brilliant work that testifies to the ignorance and greed that some will trade for the living.
Guzzi Avatar
November 15, 2012 at 7:41 AM
so true TOO very true, they play on the testosterone of youth, had I been a man..I simply would not have gone. It is so perplexing why when boys are raised with the gun and violence showing them the result why they glorify the actions? why? so they too can die? [sorry a confused mother here] GREAT write. Light & Love
O'Leary Avatar
September 8, 2012 at 5:10 PM
Excellent poem... I enjoyed it very much... Terry
Stewart Avatar
October 30, 2011 at 6:20 PM
Very nice, I really enjoyed reading it
Laan Avatar
September 18, 2011 at 6:33 AM
Howard, this is special for me, I have the medal of my Great Grandfather who died at the Somme on my dressing table, he will never be forgotten. I too wrote about this subject a while back for November 11.11.11.
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 17, 2011 at 8:13 PM
Congratulations on your first place win Howard. You convey a brilliant understanding of the suffering and death of war in this awesome poem.
Eastman Avatar
August 6, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Congratulations on the win. I can see why you were chosen. For a moment they are not forgotten any more.
Wesley Avatar
August 3, 2011 at 9:25 PM
Powerful verse that touched me deeply. Deserving of your win. Congrats.
Poetess Avatar
August 1, 2011 at 9:29 PM
Very discriptive write. Congrats on your win. I'm kinda new here so that explains my late congratulations. Glenna
Manve Avatar
July 30, 2011 at 2:46 PM
loved it
Poetrysoup Avatar
July 25, 2011 at 12:31 PM
nice
Henderson Avatar
July 18, 2011 at 6:00 AM
Such a descriptive poem which portrays the the life of the poor soldier completely. I was very moved. Carol H x
Pfenning Avatar
July 9, 2011 at 10:54 AM
You brought tears to my eys. My son is in Iraq, what a wonderful poem.. And yes it is a rich man's war.
Dufresne Avatar
July 5, 2011 at 6:44 PM
excellent
Beadnall Avatar
June 21, 2011 at 2:26 PM
TREMENDOUS
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