Earlier this year, I entered a local short story and poetry writing competition with the prompt ‘One hundred years ago…’. I publish my entry here with the competition’s permission.
—-
And the next day, Prime Minister Joseph Cook said, “…when the Empire is at war…”
No debates, no votes, no impassioned pleas; just a nod to the mother land
In September, Andrew Fisher came to power, claiming the country’s top billing
He said, “Should the worst happen, [we’ll] defend her to our last man and our last shilling”
(How easily those in charge spoke of war, of attacking, defending and killing!)
The armed forces needed more troops, and put out the call for volunteers
Men were to be five feet six inches at least, and aged 18-35 years
Recruiting offices opened August 10, and by 1914’s close
52,561 men had enlisted, a number that only rose
Young men were drawn, like moths to a flame, to the promise of progress and glory
They couldn’t yet know how many would see the premature end of their story
They farewelled their families, their sisters and brothers, and joined the enlistment queue
Most filled infantry positions, others set sail, and still others flew
Then telegrams arrived, to their lovers, their mothers, and hearts were broken anew
The platitudes came flowing in: “He fought well”; “He was so brave”
Cold comfort when you’re standing at a church, beside an empty grave
The tale doesn’t end in 1914; in fact, it only gets worse
There are facts unimaginable, acts inexplicable; much more than can fit in this verse
(How many men said their final words to a soldier, a medic or nurse?
Almost two of every five eligible men would eventually take part
And a casualty rate of almost 65% meant many lives would barely start)
—
But we’ll leave it there, at the end of the year, when the war had scarcely begun
When, despite politicians’ promises, it was far from being won
Things were grim, soldiers were tired and the end was nowhere in sight
When sections of the front called an unsanctioned truce on Christmas Day and night
(A soldier wrote home on Boxing Day, amazed: “Yes, all day Xmas day, & as I write”)
Soldiers from both sides of the front walked to the middle and shook hands
They forgot about fighting, killing and warring over home and foreign lands
Stories were told, and presents exchanged: cigarettes, tobacco and brew
And soldiers realised the men they were fighting were only human too
They learnt that there is good in everyone, that we could at once be cursed and blessed
That grudges could be set aside, and the worst times could include the best
—
And when the laughter had faded, and Christmas was done, the war did resume in the west
—-
What would you write with the prompt ‘One hundred years ago…’?
Lady! You have a real knack for this poetry caper! Love it. You’re good and you’ve done your research!
I have not the foggiest what I would write about with that kind of cue. I’m happy to leave it up to you!
Thanks, Vicki! The research was addictive – there’s so much more I want to know about it now.
Woah, Em. So beautifully written. I agree with Vicki. You have a real gift here. Now you got me thinking about this prompt….hmmmm…
So many options with the prompt! And thank you. x
What an amazing piece about my favourite story from the war. When I worked in the War Museum London my favourite exhibit was of the gifts the soldiers had given each other. Sadly it was banned in later years x
Oh wow! That sounds amazing. Thank you for your kind words.
I love it! You have such a talent. I remember my dad telling me the story of the Christmas Day ceasefire and it seemed so amazing to me as a kid. It’s been one of my favourite stories ever since.
It is amazing, really. But also understandable that that spirit didn’t stick around in later years of the war.
Oh wow, the last verses were really chilling. It makes it obvious how soldiers will fight to the death for their country, for a fight the leaders, people who will never see the front line, declared.
So many would never understand why they were there.
That’s awesome Emily. I think poetry can be a great way to get to the emotional heart of big stories or events, without the overwhelming historical data. It’s so important to remember that war is about PEOPLE. Lovely job.
Thanks, Lara. Re-reading it, I thought it was a little heavy on the ‘facts’ side, so it’s really nice to read your comment.