My Mother Told Me

My Mother Told Me

I joined the Army,  I was only 16.
Dad said;  ‘You’re barmy.’
My pals said, ‘Come with us, add a year to your age,
it’s the only way to get off the dole, you hear.’

We embarked for France,
On a cold November day.
We take our chance and enter the fray.
We were young, what did we know of pain and fear?

We dug trenches.  Officers shouted.
We dug faster cursing the rain and mud.
Cursing the army and the Germans.
Dad said; ‘Son, you are barmy to join the army.’

We stood stag, me and my pal.
A roar of guns.  The sky lit
A blue-white flash.
Young boys moaning for Mother.

Sleep.  The rats jump.
Reaching for our food.
Too tired to move.
To slink away at sunrise.

‘Soldier,  stand up.  Ready, fire’.
Rifle falls fingers numb.
‘Pick up the rifle.’
Pistol  menacing
March,  March.  Rain,  Rain.

Over the top.  Shout.  Scream.
Bayonet ready.  At the enemy’s belly.
Your country needs you.
March, march through poppies
Red with young men’s blood.

About the author

bagginsuymailcom
16 Up Votes

More from bagginsuymailcom

Mancha's Tail
Mancha's Tail It's a time of joy and cheer So let me whisper in your ear My name is...
Read More
Raindrops
Raindrops I turn my face to catch the raindrops Spatter needle sharp on my skin, To...
Read More
Looking for a Redhead
We watched as the Irish coastline drew near. This was to be the first visit since our...
Read More
Shall we garden?
Shall we garden? A fresh start, I said 'Who will dig and who will plant? Bushes, vegs, or...
Read More
If you enjoyed reading this, show your appreciation to the author with a thumbs up!

bagginsuymailcom would love your feedback, please leave your comments below:

Loading Comments

Showcase your literature

Not a member?

You need to be a member to interact with Silversurfers. Joining is free and simple to do. Click the button below to join today!

Click here if you have forgotten your password
Click here to visit the showcase home page