Coward - 1914, Sasha Boole

My father said — son, your country needs you

Come join the king’s army in the final breakthrough

The officer told me — shut up and attack

In no man’s land sludge I’m firmly stuck

I saw private Baker with his guts in the mud

He called for his mother coughed up blood

I found all my squad mates in a shell hole

They all were dead, shredded as coal

And I ran thru this scorched soil as fast as I can

Threw out all my weapons, my helmet and bags

A sudden wave of fear choked me out

I forgot my own name and I had to run

Near the Menin Road Ridge I sat under a tree

When they suddenly stumbled upon me

They said I’m a slacker, I’m a coward and rat

Corporal pulled out his gun and shot me in the head

My father said — son, your country needs you

Come join the king’s army in the final breakthrough