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31 Merchant Taylors’ Prep School Newsletter - 16.12.2021 MTP English Year 7 WW1 Poetry As part of the WW1 Literature module, our Year 7 boys relished the challenge of writing their own WW1 poems. The Braver Ones 65 million conscripting to fight in a suicidal Global War, Departing their families with tears on their faces, and not seeing them anymore, Fighting the Germans till the death for anything but peace, Living off rations, and they still fought when they had the least. Working hard when they knew their futures were dim, Having to face nightmares, but they still kept their faces solemn but grim, Guns firing and shells flying all over the place, Wounded and injured, but kept up the pace, They hid and lived in a dingy, infectious trench, One by one they took watch, not caring about the stench. Pushed through the gas with their lives at stake, Not able to afford to make the slightest mistake, Let’s not forget the naval and aerial wars too, As it is no different from what those soldiers went through. An ecstasy of fumbling as the gas arrives, Just get out of there, dead or alive, But it’s too late, the gas has already consumed everything in its path, The soldiers never to breathe again, smile or laugh. They have died as cattle, Forced to leave their families and die in the battle, They gave their today for our tomorrow, Now we must honour them and feel their sorrow. Now think of yourself in their place, It brings up horror upon one’s face, They were only a flower that grew to their stem, It is only appropriate that we remember them. By Abhishek