The General's Speech

The Generals Speech 1914-1918

A young man watched open-mouthed,
As he listened to the general's speech.
Who spoke of pinnacles of bravery,
That only a fearless man could reach.

The young man was given a uniform,
And a rifle placed into his hand.
He proudly stood on the ship's deck,
As it sailed to a foreign land.

Lying in a trench covered in mud,
He waited anxiously for the call.
Thinking about going over the top,
Where he would see the enemy fall.

At last the captain gave the order,
‘Righto chaps do your best.’
The young man ran but 20 yards,
Heedless of shells hitting his chest.

His memories spilled onto the ground,
Where his comrades were not far behind.
They trampled his short life underfoot,
Lost in the earth never to be found.

The young man was laid beneath the grass,
Where he used to run and play.
On his old school's roll of honour board,
Was added another young man’s name.

A young man watched open-mouthed,
As he listened to the general's speech.