The Mother's Song Poem by Jonathan Drane

Johnny in the fallen trench
Johnny on my knee
Once was like a willow seed
Now an old bent tree

Johnny tangled in the wire
Johnny in the tree
Once the acorns fell around
And now the friends of thee

Johnny with the shiny badge
Johnny crawling by
Once you played with tiny toys
Now with metal knives

Johnny with the sandy toes
Johnny in the mud
Then the shells were in your hand
Now they render blood

Johnny with the little arms
Johnny round my knee
Then I saw you tall and proud
The day you sailed from me

Johnny will you come back home
Johnny back to me
My arms are stretched to breaking
And longing to hold thee

Johnny will you come back home
My arms are stretched to thee
I know yours aren’t the ones that left
That’s good enough for me.