The night her sable wings has spread <br />across this city of the dead. <br />The silver moon light shimmering <br />upon white gravestones glimmering. <br /> <br />The rows of headstones on parade <br />recall the sacrifices made. <br />By those whose bones lie here at rest. <br /> Some old some young who did their best. <br /> <br />Their country called they volunteered <br />to defend freedom it appeared. <br />From field and factory they came <br /> but death would treat them all the same. <br /> <br />Young labourers and artisans <br />were all included in the plans <br />of generals who seldom knew <br /> that they were asking men to do <br /> <br />tasks which were barely possible. <br />They proved themselves incapable <br />of showing flexibility. <br />Repeating mistakes constantly. <br /> <br />Advance, retreat advance again. <br />The price was high for little gain. <br />A hundred yards or perhaps two <br /> of shell pocked mud which stuck like glue. <br /> <br />Behind the lines the big guns roared <br />adding more bodies to the hoard <br />too many to enumerate. <br />Who had already met their fate. <br /> <br />The general staff still held the view <br /> that there was nothing else to do <br /> but bombard with artillery <br /> and then send in the infantry. <br /> <br />Their hide bound minds were tightly closed <br />to any new tactic proposed <br />Thanks to the way that they were taught. <br />The correct way wars should be fought. <br /> <br />It took four years to recognise <br /> it was a futile exercise. <br />Although we claimed the victory <br /> I’m not too sure that I agree.. <br /> <br />Every war grave cemetery <br />though mute still speaks eloquently. <br />The price of war is far too high. <br />What can we answer in reply? <br /> <br />14-Mar-08<br /><br />ivor or ivor.e hogg<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/what-can-we-say/
