Forgive me please, my sins, I beg, for I

Am not the glorious hero that they claim;

For I am one who dares to reason why.

 

They spoke of honour, courage, do-or-die;

They showed me how to shoot, to kill, to maim.

Forgive me please, my sins, I beg, for I

 

Am no brave lion, no matter how I try.

Returning home I feel somehow to blame,

For I am one who dares to reason why.

 

The pals, we were, I see them as they lie;

Each pallid, ghoulish face without a name.

Forgive me please, my sins, I beg, for I

 

Now cannot look their mothers in the eye;

Shuffling along my street of shame,

For I am one who dares to reason why.

 

I dread those shivering nightmares when I cry

And wonder why my bullet never came.

Forgive me please, my sins, I beg, for I -

For I am one who dares to reason why.

 

(c) Dave Carr