THE LAST DAWN

 

On the horizon the eastern sky was lightening

But the over cast skies were not brightening

The dawn had little effect on the Grey sky

It was certainly a miserable morning to die

 

The sounds of the long range guns was absent

And the chorus of birdsong had not been vent

Just the cloud scudding across the murky sky

It was certainly a peaceful morning to die

 

The young soldier was led out in the silence

To face the firing squad to serve his sentence

The last cigarette signaled the end was nigh

What an undignified manner in which to die

 

The young man wanted to face his fate bravely

If he must die then he would do so with dignity

He would meet his maker with head held high

Though it was such an ignominious way to die

 

He did not run away and he was not a deserter

Nor a coward and could not be called traitor

But still he stood blindfold neath the dawn sky

In battle would have been a better way to die

 

His crime was to be blown over by an explosion

To lose his weapon and to suffer a concussion

His only visible injury was a cut above his eye

Its ironic really he was very lucky not to die

 

He was found wandering out of no mans land

Half senseless and with no weapon in his hand

His only injury was just that cut above his eye

It really is ironic how lucky he was not to die

 

Little did he know as he marched proudly away

What would become of him on a cold Grey day

When he kissed his love and then said goodbye

Little did he know how he would come to die

 

Crying out in fear is what filled him with dread

Before the shot was heard he was already dead

A new dawn breaking under the slate Grey sky

Why exactly did this young soldier have to die?

 

History would show that he was without blame

A young soldier no longer associated with shame

In the war to end all wars this you cannot deny

To be shot at dawn was a ridiculous way to die