I Live On In You

Dear Big Sister

I dug up the trenches to perfection...

I made sure the rats and the bugs were gone...

I cleaned up the beds and the sheets...

I held my gun tight, stayed up the whole night...

I shivered and waited for the enemy to come...

The Jerrys came hard; fearless, they charged

Our guns light up hard...

As true warriors, they fell but killed many of our own

I fired my gun and then came the run

We chased them back but most hit the mud...

Sister, I don't want to be numb...

I don't want to lose myself in the mud...

Sister, I want to be in your arms

Away from the trenches; I need some calm

I'm tired of taking life and waiting for my turn...

Sister, the shells keep on raining...

But there's no complaining...

The next moment we're ordered to charge!

Most of my friends are dead; their voices in my head...

Big sister, my turn will soon come...

I've accepted my fate, I see the Pearly gates

I'll wait for you, but come to me old...

Your love kept me alive, but as a warrior, I die...

I pray that I've done you proud...

More than a sister, more like mother...

Thank you for calling me son...

Tonight, we charge, never to see the sun...

The Battle for the Sommes has begun...

Don't cry for me; don't die for me

Promise you'll grow old and happy...

I love you, big sister, know my words are true...

Live a prosperous life, and I'll live on in you ...