On the 28th June, 1914,
after the death of Ferdinand,
I had nightmares, not dreams.
The church bells rang,
as the guns shot: ‘Bang!’

On the 22nd April, 1915,
chlorine gas exploded,
as the men’s bodies folded.
It was the first German attack;
It moved the French back.

On the 4th May, 1915,
a year into war,
I couldn’t bear it anymore.
I signed up with my friend,
to negotiate an end.

On the 7th May, 1915,
I saw a telegram of the dead
caused by a German submarine.
I felt guilty I wasn’t there –
“Why is life so unfair?”

On the 15th September, 1915,
The English tanks entered the war –
We thought the Germans would win no more.
It consecutively caused them damage,
but didn’t bring an advantage.

On the 12th January, 1916,
it was my time.
The bullet reached me.
The war wasn’t over,
but it was for me…