Oh, The War

• Mason Jenner, Grade 11
• Poetry
• 2022

It was a charismatic mood at the station
Boys bustling in their ironed greens
All ready for war, a vivid vacation
They promised they would write back by any means

The war wasn't what it seemed
The war had taken a toll, on their smiles and hearts
No more happy smiles, no more faces gleamed
Continuously counting bodies, keeping mental charts
Bloodshot eyes, fluid gargling scratched-up lungs
Oh the gas, such a fearful thunder
Boy after boy, being picked up and on shoulders, they hung
The helpless cries of their families left unheard
Shot after shot, allies fall down in blunder
Today was the day, sinful men were born
Many many affected by shells, attitudes torn
Their blind families, unaware of the crimes that occurred