Huw
First in line, as I have some vision
…slightly blurred.
I am well used to the dark as a miner.
(Must find a way to live like this.)
At least I can still sing.
Oh God. What a needless war.
*
Prentiss
I joined up to get away…
Goodbye to the windy island
Isolated, with bloody sheep.
Got to London – what a revelation!
Warmth and cultured people.
I was eating a meal
When all hell broke loose.
All is now darkness – not going back
to Orkney.
London’s out too.
Go South to find something to do.
(But who wants a blind shepherd?)
Oh God. What a mindless war.
*
Séamas
Must not stumble for the men behind
…and those in front.
Just a flash – then black darkness.
Won’t be able to gather flax
Though I could learn to weave.
Will my girlfriend be waiting for me?
God what a sodding war.
*
Chaplain
I asked to go to the Somme
To bring comfort and succour to our troops
Two days in and shrapnel hit my face
Left me scarred and blinded
Now I cannot read God’s Holy Word
Or serve the Eucharist.
(Though I may take Confession.)
Oh God. What an unholy war.
*
Lance
I enlisted as my family expected
For centuries we have served our country.
Blinded now and incapable of walking upright.
(Will I be able to ride a horse?)
No more hunting, though fishing is possible.
My brother will take over our Estate.
God. What a wasteful war.
Anna James
