War Horses

WAR HORSES At the outbreak of World War One horses were used as cavalry, but because of trenches, barbed wire and machine guns they were used for pulling guns, carrying ammunition and transport. Over 8 million horses died on all sides. British horses that survived the war were sold off as cheap meat to Belgium butchers. Shrill neighing of horses Screams out terror on the battlefield Harnessed to the big gun Eyes wide with fright Whipped on through dragging mud. Proud animals with spirits broken Treated as beasts of burden Moving ammunition, guns and shells Used abused without compassion Supplying the trenches of hell. There was no respite or mercy Slaughtered by enemy fire Dreaming of lush green fields of home Cantering free and joyful Without terror of Man’s war. Colin Ian Jeffery