The Fallen

The Fallen 

Ordered not asked to carry out the deed. 

Over the trench wall at hesitant speed. 

Scared and frightened but with country at heart 

A nations men surge into the dark.

A bullets near miss that screeches by. 

Only to turn and see a friend where he lies. 

Bogged down in mud and laden with grief. 

Still running forward with gritted teeth. 

But what of the goal for the task in hand 

Just hundred yards of blood soaked land. 

Men and beasts cry out in vain 

Suddenly never to be heard again. 

Numbers depleting wounded and worn. 

no chance was had at the head of the storm. 

Fallen are all and for what we ask. 

As we try to make sense of this forsaken task. 

Though more will come a million and more 

But only to lay by their brothers before. 

For freedom and a  nations pride. 

Our boys and men laid down their lives. 

What must they think that we did not learn 

Warring again and making hearts yearn 

But now we honour you in life and death. 

The millions of you that drew your last breath

Poppies are worn and reefs are laid. 

For every brave soldier sadly slain. 

A trumpet sounds the final call. 

As we say thank you brave people one and all. 

D.J.L