Over the Top by Kath Egar

OVER THE TOP

Battle scarred with heads unbowed
rifles at the ready
Standing proud tho’ weary
hands and eyes still steady
Trying to ignore the water, mud and dirt
The moans and cries of fallen men
with injuries and hurt
The Captain leaves his dugout
with orders for the line
“Now, come on lads, it won’t be long
everything is fine.”
“At whistle blow, over the top
we’ll make them pay.”
“Strong and steady lads, stay with me
we’re sure to win the day”
Only hours later, all was quiet
and did they win the day?
Oh no not them, tho’ they had tried,
dead in the mud they lay.

Kath Egar (Osmondthorpe Creative Writing Group)