In Memorial by Ewart Alan MacKintosh

In Memoriam
by Ewart Alan Mackintosh (killed in action 21 Nov 1917 age 24yrs)



PrivateD Sutherland killed in action in the German trenches 16 May 1916
andthe others who died.



Soyou were David's father,
Andhe was your only son,
Andthe new-cut peats are rotting
Andthe work is left undone,
Becauseof an old man weeping
Justan old man in pain,
ForDavid, his son David,
Thatwill not come again.



Oh,the letters he wrote you,
AndI can see them still,
Nota word of the fighting,
Butjust the sheep on the hill
Andhow you should get the crops in
Erethe year get stormier
Andthe Bosches have got his body
AndI was his officer.



Youwere only David's father
ButI had fifty sons,
Whenwe went up in the evening
Underthe arch of the guns,
Andwe came back at twilight -
OGod! I heard them call
Tome for help and pity
Thatcould not help at all.



Ohnever will I forget you,
Mymen that trusted me
Moremy sons than your fathers'
Forthey could only see
Thelittle helpless babies
Andthe young men in their pride
Theycould not see you dying
Andhold you while you died.



Happyand young and gallant,
Theysaw their first-born go
Butnot the strong limbs broken
Andthe beautiful men brought low
Thepiteous writhing bodies
Theyscreamed ' Dont leave me sir'
Forthey were only your fathers
ButI was your officer.