Slowly they lowered me,
Into that dark beckoning deep.
Where all ultimately one day will be.
Those that live cannot know this sleep.
Softly, softly the ground covers me.
‘Unknown Soldier’ on the crude cross, will be my keep.
But know – it was not in vain.
When called, I never considered death or dying, no one does.
Strange, the bayonet into that bag did not cry out?
The whistle splits the air – ‘Over the top you goes’
Now’s not the the time to question what it’s about?
Please know – it was not in vain.
Into that confusing grey smoke I charge,
My bravery comingled with my fears,
But I feel a lot better, Me with my Sarge,
Then the crystal flash, my warm blood on me smears,
I look up, God’s arms wide and large,
‘No concern son, I’ll take care of all your coming years.’
Don’t’ forget – it was not in vain.
The battle recedes, both sides collect their dead.
Around the fire that night, idle talk,
‘Who was that fellow who Sarge held, while he bled?’
‘Don’t know, but Sarge was with him on that last eternal walk.’
An uneasy silence, wide-eyed – ‘that could‘ve been you or me, Ned.’
Tomorrow, on that dreaded notice board – ‘Unknown’ the Captain will
chalk.
Make a note – it was not in vain.
The shrill of the reveille trumpet cuts the icy morning air,
‘Fall in’ – Sarge barks – ‘time to show our final respects’.
On shoulders I am carried, ‘Be gentle with him, ye hear!’
‘Though he was unknown, yet he was known’, The Chaplain reflects,
‘For he gave his all without fear’
The rifles crack, ‘Goodbye Fellas, I have no regrets’.
Just remember – it was not in vain.
And so, with each passing year.
They gather for me and the rest.
While in fields afar we lay, still we are near.
For in silent remembrance your arms across your breast
‘We know, Soldier you gave your tomorrow, and it’s we now, with tear.
We’ll never forget even if the sun sets over that crest.’
Now in stone forever – ‘Scire Non Frustra’
– I know, I know it was not in vain –
Gunner Collin Hyman
April 2025