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
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