The Promise

(Death on the Somme, World War One) Alfred was cockney barrow boy Bright and cheeky Went to war at fifteen Telling recruiting sergeant he was seventeen. Promising weeping mother to return. In France endured hell of battle Plagued by lice in rat infested trenches Walking ankle deep in mud Trying to control surging terror Determined to keep his promise. Went over the top at the Somme Bayonet charged German trenches Fell wounded dying in shell crater Drowned alone in the mud. Telegram boy called on Alfred's mother News her son would never return Almost insane with grief, she cried out "Only promise Alfred ever broke."