I stand looking in the mirror.
Who is this solider I see in front of me?
Still feeling like a boy but looking like a man.
Buttons gleaming on my uniform from hours of polishing.
Belt pulled tight around my waist and helmet tilted slightly to one side.
Why am I doing this?

Marching out to the cheers of the crowd.
Head held high and chest puffed out.
Feeling ten feet tall and heart is pounding.
A smile comes across my face.
Is this Why I’m here?

I can hear a familiar voice yelling my name.
I turned around and see my sobbing mother, my father next to her filled with pride and a tear in the corner of his eye.
I wish I could see my parents one more time.
To hold them tell them that I love one more time.
Why do I have to go?

Guns shot bombs exploding all around.
Men screaming in agony with body parts missing and blood everywhere.
Knee high in wet mud unable to see my comrades through the black smoke.
Gas mask at the ready, diving into trenches.
I can’t get away where can I hide? Where can I hide?
BOOM!!
Why?