Youth Who First Must Fight Poem by Terry Dawson

The bell's last peel drifts on the air
That marks the close of old school year
As turns again times restless tide
And youth advance on future fair

But youthful dreams with fate collide
Which cramps prospects that once were wide;
Young hearts with onerous burden hung
To weigh hard choice and then decide.

A heavy load for those so young
Whoes adult life has just begun
To run for life or stand for war;
Dishonor or in maelstrom flung.

And though they may some qualms endure
They pass through that uncertain door
Perchance mindful of their repute
Yet in their righteous cause secure.

Now march and run and shout and shoot
For them the life of raw recruit
Until that hapless mob congeal
Into fine band of men in boots.

Never was made a finer steel
Forged in the cauldron of ordeal
From ore of such uncertain main,
Than from youth who fight for ideal.

Now into wild and harsh terrain
Enduring trials of life untame
And traffic in a brutal trade
In warfare's harsh, heartless domain.

Advance by moonlight sore afraid
As prelude to some daring raid
And mindful of the stealthy arts
That keep their purpose unbetrayed.

Each small sound and sight imparts
New lesson to their beating hearts
For tiny the clue is that declares
Where peril lurks with deadly darts

And on through all the weary years
Of losses, victories, joys and tears,
Whatever shifting fate bestows,
SoldierIng proofs against all wears.

Now circumstance brings war to close
And every soldier homeward goes,
Yet what of him combat-inured;
The one who only fighting knows?

The future is the least ensured
For they that never once demurred.
For them that risked all unsecured
Outbreak of peace is hard-endured!