Gallipoli Poem by jerry hughes

'how we blooded youth for battle'

It came.
The command.
Take the hill.
But, sir...?
No buts Captain, take the hill.
Sir, I must protest.
Captain, you're facing
a court-martial for insubordination.
Take the hill, now!

Sparks, have you got the line
to HQ fixed?
Not yet Captain, shouldn't be long.
Sparks, every moment counts.
I'm doing my best, sir.
Sorry lad, I know you are.
Let me know the second.
The second, sir.

Lieutenant Hadley?
Sir!
Fixed bayonet charge.
Sir, they'll be massacred.
Fixed bayonet charge
that's the order.
Pass the word.
Yes, sir!

Sparks, how's it going?
Nearly there, sir.
It better be soon.
Won't be long, sir.

Lieutenant?
Sir.
We go with the flare.
Are they ready?
Ready, sir.

Oh, Christ, there it is.
Lead the charge with me?
I'm with you, Captain.

Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat.
They died with yells frozen in their throats.

Sir I've reached HQ, they're on the line.

Sir?

.