"Did I hesitate a moment? Did I stop and wonder why? <br />We were ordered to attack from some blunderer up high. <br />We were all, I think, afraid. Who wouldn't be right then? <br />Those Russians were entrenched and had artillery with them. <br />We must have looked magnificent on our chargers riding high <br />As we rode for God and Country, we knew Death was standing by. <br />I saw my brother Henry die and more brave lads besides. <br />We dressed the line and galloped on, We who were about to die. <br />My horse was shot from under me and that threw me to the sod. <br />The battle sounded distant and my left arm felt quite odd. <br />Some Shrapnel cut my face and thigh, but I saw many worse. <br />Some men called for their mothers, others raged and cursed. <br />Our gallant charge was broken by effective cannon fire. <br />There were many horses riderless like the one that I acquired. <br />When I got back behind our lines, I thanked my equine friend. <br />Then I realized he'd been Henry's mount when this travesty began. <br />I'm sure there will be an inquiry into how this was misplayed. <br />It is then I'll tell my tale about our murdered light brigade."<br /><br />John F. McCullagh<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/for-god-and-country-2/
