War Horses

At outbreak of World War One horses were used as cavalry, then because of trench warfare pulling guns, carry ammunition transporting supplies. Over 8 million horses died on all sides. British horses who survived sold to Belgium butchers. Shrill neighing horses Terrified on battlefields Harnessed to big guns Eyes wide with fright Pulling through clinging mud. Proud animals, spirits broken Treated as beasts of burden Moving ammunition, guns and shells Abused and whipped Supplying trenches of hell. No respite nor mercy Slaughtered by enemy fire Dreaming of green fields of home Cantering free and joyful Without terrors of Man's war.