Side by side in the morning dew

I saw them walking - two by two

I saw them marching off to war

But nobody knew what it was for.



A small, young boy caught my gaze

I watched him through the morning haze

I thought in astonishment; He is but a child!

Fair and tender, meek and mild.



Clothes all ripped and very torn-

Just recognizable as his uniform.

Who was he leaving behind? A true love?

All he wished for was mercy from above.



My focus wandered to an old man

Trying to continue - if he can.

Trying to go on with all his heart.

He stumbled and wondered, Why did this start?



The back-breaking loads they'd set down at night

Food and clothes, enough for a fortnight

Guns and powder - ready to kill.

The thought of them dying gave me a chill.



I think back to this day and give a sigh,

Rest my hand on my chin, a tear comes to my eye.

This day made my life different from before,

For now I understand the futility of war.



These men may have fallen in the fire of the North

Victims of the savagery war does bring forth.

Was there a victor? The answer is "no."

I learned this that day I looked out my window.