My 13 year old grandson's school class was called upon recently to write a poem. Knowing him all these years and his current dedication to playing his drum-set, so wasn't expecting Matty to do very well. I was very wrong and pleasantly surprised at his effort! It was the subject matter that surprised me the most.

His mother then told me that his poem had been judged and accepted and will be published in a book to be called “Express yourself – Southern Poets” – which is due to be released on 31st Aug 2012. She enclosed a copy of his poem which I post here for your perusal and opinion. I have Matty's permission to do this, by the way! :) TC.

World War One

1913, it is lovely and sunny here Sipping on my cold beer Walking through the lush green park Listening to the neighbour’s dog bark. Suddenly! Sirens go For what reason I do not know “We’re going to war,” the man says Every single one stays.

1914, the start of war All of us sent by law For what I’m going to see, I do not know None of us want to go! “Over the wall,” the sergeant says All of us load our guns just in case This is my first day in battle Having to hide behind dead cattle It is now the end of the day Friends talk but I have nothing to say Friends in bags Their clothes just muddy rags

1919, the war is long over But do you think I’m happy? For what I have seen there is no reason to be happy! Battlefields like the Devil’s playground Men mindless and in shock Do I feel happy? The answer is no I will never be the same For all war is a foolish game.