War - Ww1 - The Return Journey Poem by Paul Warren

(Ode to a train ticket found on a fallen Australian soldier of Fromelles)
What to carry into battle as a reminder of home?
Of my life I love whilst through a war I did roam
Those last happy days in the Australian sun
To strengthen me in certain death to come
And to face the enemy with well-founded fear
Standing hardy waiting silently a death so clear.

I chose a train ticket for a West Australian run
Placed for safe keeping in my gas mask case undone
And it was still there as we silently and patiently slept
For I was one of the fallen of Fromelles that death kept
Together thrown down without care piled high
Till a teacher gave us back for a family goodbye.

© Paul Warren Poetry