.: April 9th :.
Young Tommy waved the enlistment papers
After turning eighteen the other day.
Wilbur's eyes dimmed with dismay.
Warning, "Tommy, this fight is not right.
Come, stay and help at Fundy Bay."
Snappish Tommy says, "I shan't be a farmer
Like you, your father, and his before.
To your ancestors then, I'll say 'no more.'
I'll return home the day when our names
Be filled with much pride and honor!"
But, with stark tone, Wilbur warns,
"Kid, you don't need to leave.
You may be a grown man,
But you're still too green."
At dinner's hour 'round the quiet table,
Soldier Tommy utters the promise,
"I shall return in time for Christmas.
Please, don't weep for me for long."
The regiment marches down the rugged road,
Khaki dress and steel helmets gleaming brightly.
Raw Recruit Tommy waves one hand to the family,
Nearing the port, traversing sea to distant territory.
In the thick of the cheers, Niki beckons.
"Friend, you don't need to leave.
You may be a grown man,
But you're still too green."
The guns and cannons sing at the L'Manberg walls.
Zeal rings profound: 'Make our Men and Empire proud!'
Tommy the ardent novice vaults over the trench
To join the thunderous charging sound.
Rushing close to No Man's Land,
A whizzing shell bursts without warning.
Private Tommy lays trembling and bleeding
As metal shards spread into his chest,
Gradually waning in sight and breath.
To his ears, familiar words echo out:
"Kid, you don't need to leave.
You may be a grown man,
But you're still too green."