A PHOTO FROM THE TRENCHES

Smile, for the folks back home
To show we're safe and well
Smile, for the folks back home, don't let them see the hell

Smile, for the folks back home
Show them our advances, show them our first tanks
Smile, for the folks back home, and give them of our thanks

Smile, for the folks back home
Although we feel like crying
Smile, for the folks back home, when all around are dead and dying

Smile, for the folks back home
And all those we so dearly miss
Smile, for the folks back home, for Ma, for Pa, for little Ciss

Smile, for the folks back home
From these trenches full of mud
Smile, for the folks back home, for they can't see the blood

Smile, for the folks back home
Wave at the camera's eye
Smile, for the folks back home. It'll be your last before you die.


from A Brave New World Emerging, a collection of poems by Keith Beasley
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