"It really don't matter what side you're on, Son"

The Sergeant says to me.

I listened real close for I was a lad

Not yet quite twenty-three

"You were sent by your Country, or God or King

It's a soldier's lot to die

So I'll tell you what you're fightin for"

And he looks me in the eye

"For freedom", says I. "That's probably it!"

"Or maybe to save mankind!"

"Or to keep the world all safe and sane

And make sure it don't unwind"

"For your Family and Home and your Flag so dear!"

I knew I had it at last!

Then I heard the shells scream close overhead

And the trench heaved and shook from the blast.

The Sergeant's eyes they held me still

My own stayed open wide.

With a click, he fixed his bayonet

His head shook side to side.

"No Lad", he said. "That's just not it.

That's what them civilians think.

A soldier's thoughts are simpler still",

And he gives me a quick sad wink.

"A soldier's got no time to think

of such grand things ya see.

No King or Queen in this here trench.

Just the Lads, and you, and me"

"You fight for the men on your left and right.

It's just as simple as that.

Now brush off your kit, son. Tighten your belt

And straighten your officer's cap."

"If you're still alive tomorrow", he says

"You'll long remember this day.

You'll remember the men on your left and right

When you hear the pipers play"

"So on your feet Lad, It's just about time

Wipe that mud off your pistol sight.

We're in for it now, so let’s give 'em Hell

We may see it ourselves tonight!"

He smiled at me then and chuckled no doubt

At my brief patriotic vent

Then the flare gun went off, and I blew me whistle

And over the top we went.

I wrote this on ANZAC Day in honor of the soldiers from Australia and New Zealand troops who participated in the disasterous Gallipoli campaign in WWI. It applies to anyone who has ever been in battle.

The Men on your Left and Right