Those who fell

Walking with the group I am all alone,

Lost at war nowhere to go.

Hiding in bunkers making no sound,

Green uniform’s a blur as their wearers run around.

Walking together yet still all alone,

Nowhere to go nowhere to hide,

Heartbreaking screams and

skin piercing bullets hitting my sides.

Scurrying paws fill the bunkers, tents and hospital halls,

Spreading disease that brings more death.

Stench that curl and twist in the breeze filling our noses with dirty air

Sweet nurses tending my severe wounds,

My gashes and knocks, dry blood and shock.

Lying in the dark hospital dorm…

My heart longing for New Zealand where I’ll no longer be alone.

Eyes brimming with tears thinking of family at home.

My brothers and sisters cried as I left,

Leaning on me holding their breath’s

Letters from home are like a gold

Reading mine I am told,

My sister has disappeared!

Days pass wondering if sister has returned,

Next day I learned.

The battle we had lost,

Return we shall !

Boats arrived that week,

Bringing dread from months ago.

Packed and ready to go we sail and sail,

for months to come and go.

Walking together no longer alone,

A home to go to,

I don’t have to wait.

Waiting there is my sister safely home!

Remembering those who fell.

In the Great War, we have lots of stories to tell!

Lest we for get.