He was anyone, everyone's son. <br />A splendid, strapping lad <br />with a smile to make an angel blush; <br />So innocent, shy and wide. <br /> <br />There was goodness in his every gesture, <br />and in every stride of his bold step; <br />As he marched off with his regiment <br />to a war not of his making, but he went. <br /> <br />Without complaint he went, believing <br />it was his duty to fight beside his mates; <br />Even if the odds were great, as they died <br />in their thousands like slaughtered sheep. <br /> <br />Sheltered by the Somme in an unmarked grave <br />where memory saves forgetfulness, that, and his <br />final letter are all that remain of anyone, everyone's son.<br /><br />jerry hughes<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/anyone-everyone-s-son/
