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• Diana Collini, Grade 12, Penrhos College
• Poetry
• 2000

2nd in the 'Watch Out! 2000' competition

“Go off to war,” my mother said, “Your country needs you lad.
Sign up to fight to keep us free from all that’s wrong and bad.”
And I can see her face today, her eyes so full of pride,
As I crouch, trembling, in this trench, my comrades by my side.

“Go off to war,” my girlfriend said, “You’re going to look so grand.
So handsome in your uniform, a rifle in your hand.”
And I can see her face today, her eyes so full of love,
As corpses lie about my feet and bullets fly above.

“Go off to war,” my country said, “All brave young men unite,
To fight for King and country, and all that’s good and right.
We know you’ll show true courage; we know you’ll do your best.
And you’ll march home a hero with a medal on your chest.”

And I can hear their words today as I lay dying here.
And as my lifeblood drains away my soul is filled with fear.
Did I deserve their pride and love? I came to fight a war.
Did my life make a difference? Tell me – what was it for?