To battle they go

A Medway resident has written a poem to coincide with this year’s Poppy Appeal.

Andrew Bairnsfather, aged 21, wrote the poem To battle they go in honour of Britain’s servicemen and women, who are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The poem has a thought-provoking conclusion, trying to encourage people to really stop and remember those who have fought, and in many cases, died for our freedom.

To battle they go

Through the stillness of the morning air
Comes the call they must prepare.
For when they hear the whistle blow
They will advance to meet their foe.

With one foot on the ladder wracked with fear
Some of the men will shed a tear.
Looking around at their friends
Each of them wishing this carnage would end.

Down the line the whistle it blows
The fear inside each one of them grows.
Who will survive? No one can tell
But it?s up the ladder and forwards to hell.

So when a bird sings high in a tree
Recall the sacrifice so we might be free.
When you stand there this November
Take a few minutes and just remember.

Andrew Bairnsfather 5/11/09