Scarred by War

The image of fortitude and pride, he enlisted to serve his nation

For he knew the fight for peace, the quest for liberation was his obligation

Mother’s angst haunted him too, but was kept buried in

His eyes set on the promise of freedom, the hope of a conquering win

Farewell Day arrived. 

Goodbyes were said as grey clouds loomed overhead

The drops of rain pelting down mixed with Mother’s tears and dread

Her fervent wish, just that her baby be returned to her, alive

Life in the trenches began, soldiers in green trapped in a mortal war zone

Cold, muddy messes, bleak elements chilled them to the bone

Day in and day out, the constant fighting was never ending

The tactics of the enemy so unrelenting

Fields and trenches brimmed with many a lifeless figure

The uniforms of green no longer seen, only red

The soldier stood there cursing the war, the killer

Mourning his friends, lamenting all the words left unsaid 

Back home, the telegrams came

Missing. Wounded. Killed in Action.

Mothers wailing, children sobbing, so many families never the same

But his family was one of the lucky ones

Not yet shaken from the death of a brother, a father, a son

They consoled their neighbours, shared their tears, and paid their respects

And every night, prayed for what was next

The battle continued, more blasting bombs and gunfire and bloodshed

Until one day, it came to an end.

His family met him at the station and saw his twinkly eyes traded for a somber face, withdrawn

He lived through the war, but the son they knew was gone. 

And so on November 11th, year after year

We remember this soldier and all the ones lost, with poppies over our heart, most sincere

Honouring their courage and sacrifice on the battlefield, far and near

So that one day, we may live without fear