The Truth Of War Poem by Effy Naylor Roll

Prided is all my father wants but I am crushing his prided.
Shying away from the war I am because I am just to shy

My name on a piece of paper, I've signed my death sentence that's it.
A young frightened boy, pretending to be brave when I am still just a kid.

Marching through the town I am, dressed all smart and cool.
But the only thought I am thinking is ‘I am such a fool'.

No man's land is the place where no-one ever goes.
But if I don't leave when told, I will not only be shot by my foes.

BANG BANG, BANG and then the final shot.
The most important one to me because it makes me drop.

Lying under a blanket of cool brown darkness, my body only just found.
And the last thought I remember is I made my father proud.