His infant’s cries are the last thing he hears,
Before he too is forced to face bitter fears.
A proud father, being trundled off to war,
Leaving his family, their hearts left sore.

Tears distort their father’s wave of goodbye,
This day will stay with them until the day they die.
“War” is a word they’ll never forget,
A word that fills every part of them with regret.

Their mothers start working to provide for the children.
Their world is upside-down, they find it bewildering.
Every family is a portrait of destruction,
Swallowing their sorrow as if it was an instruction.

Letters from loved ones are welcomed and cherished.
Igniting that glimmer of hope that has not yet perished.
Fear of the fighting, and loss and wounded,
Send prayers to the fighters, their wishes lucid.

Wives and children have their own battle at home,
Their faces shouting “brave, strong” but whispering “alone”.