My watch says four its time for tea
but I’m not where I ought to be.
Instead I’m stuck in this foul trench
amidst the mud and slime and stench
Rotting remains which used to be
young English soldiers just like me.
My country called I volunteered.
My parents saw me off and cheered
They were quite proud to se me go
“To teach some manners to the foe”
But now the smoke and gas has cleared
I’m on my own just as I feared.
Our forward trenches over run
I’m trapped behind the wily Hun
I would surrender if I could
but I cannot I’m losing blood.
I think my time is nearly done.
The only thing that I have won.
A nameless grave like many more.
No one can calculate the score
of those who died on either side.
Involuntary suicide.
There are no winners in this war
a fact the generals ignore.
I watch my life blood drain away.
Surprised to find I do not mind.
I will be pleased: I have to say.
to leave this rotten war behind.
A game I volunteered to play
I cannot stand another day
The mud the blood and misery
which all around me I can see.
I leave behind without regret.
But I can see them clearly yet
My mothers friends all taking tea
I wonder if she’s proud of me.
Superbly written Ivor! Deserving way more than a (10) ! ! ! ! Thad
The tension builds to the point of anguish, then the contrast between the gentility of ladies enjoying tea time and the hideous reality of war brings a wrench to the heart of this reader. A poem our leaders in their insulated castles and gleaming offices need to read!
Very nice indeed. Funny you should think of the same subject as myself today. I have posted one called 'To Battlefields, All', not quite the same as yours but on the same lines. I enjoyed reading this very poignant yet in a way light in its content, if you know what I mean. Excellent as usual. Love and hugs Ernestine XXX
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Ivor My friend, I have read many poems on the great war as they called it, what was so great about Senseless slaughter, millions of lifes for what...? But yours is about the best, it gets you in the trench with the poor lad, asking why... Worth a lot more than the 10 i can give you..