Mother its hell over here
The whizz, the whine of bullets,
The constant deafening roar
It never lets up;
Fear my constant companion.
Men around me cry
Mortality beckons them.
Gasping, gagging I hear them
Pleading for help
Begging for mothers
As lives ebb away.
Boys my age
I weep for them
Their silence is welcomed
Their misery ended.
I thought to make a difference
Such foolishness long gone.
Replaced by man’s degradation,
His fellow man
Reduced to cannon fodder.
Knee deep in mud
I struggle through each day
Wondering
Will I see a green field again?
Its hell over here Mother.
Written for: http://dversepoets.com/2014/10/28/poetics-war-poetry/
Morpethroad 
I am sure numerous young men wrote such heart-wrenching letters home to their mothers, Michael. Many Australian soldiers fought in the region where I grew up and they are remembered through monuments and a museum.
Thank you Gabriella, so much of my History study was WW1, I thought you captured the futility so very well.
A strong poem, Michael. I do think in the time of war many soldiers in battle miss their mothers. Mothers, I think, are universally comforting to everyone experiencing fear.
So very true Mary, thanks for reading and your comment.
oh i bet it is…an interesting take…taking on the perspective of a soldier writing a letter…i bet it is hell…not only struggling with your own mortality but watching it played out in those around you…hard…
Thanks brian, appreciate you reading and your comments.
I feel for all those ‘boys’ that had/have to go through those feelings. Now women or ‘girls’ too. It’s sad that in this day and age there are still wars being fought. Great take Michael.
Thank you Jackie, its sad how history keeps repeating itself.
I love the letter, which tells the truth about what war is like. I have read that many soldiers called out for their mothers on their deathbeds and no wonder, they were so young to be plunged into the hell of war. Very poignant, very moving.
Thank you Sherry, yes it was so sad for so many.
A letter like this might have been written.. But alas I think many wrote letters that lied about reality.. After all, the letters where censored.. But the horrors we know today..
In WW1 many of the letters have been preserved and make comments like my poem. Thanks Bjorn appreciate you dropping by.
Tears at my heart, the words to a mum in any situation. A cry for help, wanting to see a green field once more, beautiful and painful write Michael.
Thank you Jenny, so many never did make it home.
The worrying cry of one innocent soldier brought out with all its realism. Great word craft Michael!
Hank
Thanks Hank, appreciate your kind thoughts.
i liked the intimacy of the mother’s involvement
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment.
Again, like babes in the woods..
So true Kathy so many were just that. Have a good day.
I like the letter approach to the mother Michael ~ What a rude awakening that must have been to idealistic young men and women ~ Its hell on earth ~
Yes Grace very much so, the sense of adventure disappears when you realise you could very easily be killed at any moment.
This one really tugs at the heart.
So real. So terrible sad.
Thanks RoSy, yes it was real and so so sad for so many.
Well done piece- enjoyed the form of a letter written home to mother. You really captured the hell of war in a brief piece.
Thanks so much Matt, appreciate you stopping by.
All war is hell, but these boys never knew the truth; never knew that that’s exactly what they were – cannon fodder. Beautifully written, Michael.
Thanks Lyn, WW1 gave rise to my favourite oxymoron military intelligence.
A strong and sad write.
Thanks you so much ayala, appreciate you stopping by.
Such a heartwrenching letter, Michael! truthfully this would be the hidden truth behind the stories they shared instead but if they made it alive one could see it in their eyes.
Yes i agree Cheryl-Lynn, thanks so much for your comment.