THE LAST FEW MINUTES
By Emily Harrison (Hayesfield Lower School)
As I sit within this trench
With the other brave young men
I listen to the gunfire
That sounds again and again
As I sit within this trench
Our feet all soaking wet
Oh how I miss my family
As I smoke my cigarette
As I sit within this trench
And stroke my unshaven chin
Another man sees I'm down
And passes me some gin
As I sit within this trench
We all begin to itch
We hear the cries of fellow men
Then one falls in the ditch
As I sit within this trench
And sharpen my pocket knife
I begin to think of my three children
And my darling wife
As I sit within this trench
I let out a small sigh
What will happen to them I think
If I was just to die?
As I sit within this trench
My nightmares become true
'Over the top now men,' he shouts
'Remember1 Your country needs YOU!'
As I climb out of this trench
My life flashes before my eyes
From when I was a little boy
Who used to tell white lies
As I crawl along the ground
I pray to God once more
Protect my wife and kids my lord
Protect them from this war
As I lie in no man's land
After being hit
Who wants to die like this?
I must use all my wit.
As I run towards the enemy's trench
With bayonet and gun
I look into a face like mine
Another husband, father, son!
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