Shot At Dawn Poem by Colin Ian Jeffery

During World War 0ne (1914-18) British army executed 306
soldiers charged with desertion or cowardice. On the 16th
August,2006, the British Government granted posthumous
pardons to all the soldiers. Many innocent, executed as an
example for keeping discipline among the ranks.

Twelve soldiers, firing squad
Stand reluctant, rifles loaded
One with blank bullet, others live bullets
So, they do not know who fires the blank
Thinking themselves innocent of the death.

Tied to a post, young terrified soldier
Still in teens, hands tied behind post
Trembling, not from early morning chill
Knowing death is minutes away
And he will never see his parents again.

Officer in charge of firing squad
Steps up to the soldier to be shot
Offers a blindfold which is declined
Pins white cloth over soldier's heart
Target for the firing squad.

Army chaplain with head bowed
Reads aloud the twenty-third psalm
Officer cries, "Take aim... Fire! "
Soldier slumps forward secured by tied hands
Twitching, chest crimson with blood.