For five years across the fields 
Brutal shells crashed down. 
Destruction claimed a savage cost 
In every ruined town. 

Lethal waves of metal rained, 
Stole eight million men. 
And when the guns fell silent 
They said, “No war again!” 

But the hearts of men are dark, 
War runs through their veins. 
It seems that peace is fragile 
Compared with wartime’s aims. 

In response to November prompt Remembrance Day

Teacher’s note:  When the First World War ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day, 1918, everyone called it “the war to end all wars”.  Using this poem, students can discuss why wars break out and how we can avoid them in future.