Dearest Mother, though I took my brother’s place at the front of the line,

I became him, I took his name

To spare the family honour, I must admit I am scared

Of being in this insane and absurd battlefield game.

In my wisdom, I believed the words they said

When for home by Christmas I would be by your side

Now as mustard gas shines like some evil suitor dishing out charming lies

Across No Man’s Land

I feel for those women who will lose husbands, sons, lovers tonight