Clouds Of Fear Poem by Chantelle Clark

Marching along East Street
We felt confident and proud.
In rows we walked all tidy and neat
Soon to be scattered among green clouds.

We kept a steady pace through town
Walking straight and not looking back.
We are going to war to fight for our crown
We were told strength could not lack.

Wounded disembarked the train
It’s our turn to go…
All we can feel is increasing pain
Our fears start to quickly flow.

To the front line we trudged
Mud seemed to be everywhere.
We had to fight through the sludge
Or else we’d be buried there.

The trenches come into sight
Our officers told us to quicken the pace.
The trenches seemed to be a heavenly light
As we walked by a man with a distorted face.

We sat in the rat-infested trenches
We talked about what tomorrow would bring.
However, for now we sat playing cards on our benches
Tomorrow at sunrise, war’s bombs would ring.

Sunrise comes and exploding bombs hit the air
We shot many enemies with fear in their eyes.
The field hospitals are busy with many in care
Some of our friends also met their demise.

That night our division crawled through No Man’s Land
Our enemies were not prepared.
We silently advanced through the sand
We looted them while they were impaired.

Dawn comes shining bright
Soon after green clouds, start coming our way.
No longer was there any light
The gas choked many that fateful day.

Half our division is lost
So, we are sent home to rest.
We had gained nothing at their cost
They thought home would be best.

Now boarding the train for home
All the memories come rushing back bringing tears.
A wounded comrade softly moans
“Were on the same train where we had our first fears.”

We now have experienced a nightmare called war.
We get off the train…
We once and for all leave the unbearable place known as death door.
We take a look back at what all was lost and gained, leaving finally in contorted disdain.

By, Chantelle Clark.
October 06.