Somme 1998

Time has not aged them
Long silence now from horror
Of incessant gun.
Ash-white and uniform their serried
Ranks defy relentless barrage
Of undying August sun.

Time has not changed them.
Each named and nameless
As once on square they stand.
Unflinching obedience
Numbered, yet countless,
Patiently awaiting next command.

Neither has time changed us.
Though overhead the bird of peace
Forever pleading skyward wings;
We are as marionettes, head bowed
Allowing others hands above,
To pull the strings.