Coward

My father said - son, your country needs you
Come join the king's army in the final breakthrough
The officer told me - shut up and attack
In no man's land sludge I'm firmly stuck.

I saw private Baker with his guts in the mud
He called for his mother coughed up blood
I found all my squad mates in a shell hole
They all were dead, shredded as coal.

And I ran thru this scorched soil as fast as I can
Threw out all my weapons, my helmet and bags
A sudden wave of fear choked me out
I forgot my own name and I had to run.

Near the Menin Road Ridge I sat under a tree
When they suddenly stumbled upon me
They said I'm a slacker, I'm a coward and rat
Corporal pulled out his gun and shot me in the head.

My father said - son, your country needs you
Come join the king's army in the final breakthrough.