I'd watched as my youngest child marched off to fight the Kaiser
His elder brothers preceded him, dying on day one of the Somme
I was numb staring as he went, tears falling, they went unnoticed
I'd lost my husband in an accident at the Rowhedge Ironworks
Aware my child might join his brothers, he headed into danger
I quickly entered a state of unliving, remaining until his return
I knew the sorrows awaiting and refused to move until I knew
Patriotism and glory are fine as ideas, but the reality is a curse
For when everything you love is gone, that is the only truth
I live in poverty, I have nothing, but I'd give everything
For my youngest to not join his brothers
