Somme (29): commanders? I don’t think so

France. c. 1916-08. Marshal J.J.C. Joffre, on the left, French Army Commander, Sir Douglas Haig https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C309971

France. c. 1916-08. Marshal J.J.C. Joffre, on the left, French Army Commander, Sir Douglas Haig https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C309971

are you walking
to the front
marshal joffre?

general haig?

come along
we’ll show you
where
the heat is

by suicide corner
accidents occur

and you can bet
the bloody bosche
know
how to shoot

no
not there for a commander

I don’t think
so

or
would you listen
maybe
from beside the guns
general haig?

only
they will have
your ears
over full of blood
before you know it

and you
will have to read me
because you won’t
hear
a word

no
not there
either
for a commander

I do not think
so

marshal joffre
inside the ambulance?

although
the screaming
and the moans
could complicate
detailed planning

so
no
not there for a commander

I really
do not think
so

I suppose
that leaves the choice
of muddy trenches

would you stand . . .

would you
clamber . . .

would you crawl
all that way
just
to see us?

no no
not there for our commanders

I really
really
do not think so

we need to keep you
safe
and we need you
thinking clear

the bosche
are up to tricks
again
and we need you
to stay
well away
in the rear

~