Childhood Memories-Gas Masks Poem by Mary Mc Creath

Every child has one slung over their shoulder
As they leave home for school each day.
This is a requirement to protect them
From bombs that might fall from the sky
Filled with glass that could maim or kill them.

At school there was a room were they were tested.
They went in there to make sure they were not faulty.
As they walked into the room each one wondered if
It was real gas and hoped their mask was fully functioning.

Small children had masks with a Mickey Mouse face,
The were coloured to make them attractive.
At the sound of a warning siren they had to be put on.
And were only to be taken off at an all clear signal.

War affects lives, of those who fight in them and
Those who remain at home. It changes life for all
Who are affected by it.