Poem by Edmund Allen, Grade 8

My cousin going to the war to fight,
He doesn't mind because his pay will increase.
My cousin going to the war to fight,
He doesn't mind because his pay will increase.

He will fight during the day and night.
He will fight until there is peace.
The war I do not want him to go,
Only now I care about the war.

The war I do not want him to go,
Only now I care about the war.
For if he returns I do not know,
In our family grief will only be more.

I hope the army changes their mind and come home,
So my cousin will be in safe hands again.
I hope the army changes their mind and come home,
So my cousin will be in safe hands again.

If he doesn't return I'll be alone,
And lowered will be my chin.