The barracks dies down at 9:03, for this is the perfect time to flee;

They know not my name or my reason, but I desert to avoid this treason.

Roll call ends, and I, with stealth, climb the rafters for sake of health.

Freedom at last is in my grasp; alas it is an elusive trap.

I know of no other place of trouble more than this war-torn country turned rubble.

As the sirens cry, I run away. Their torturous games I shall not play.

 

The time is nigh for me to run;

I’ve taken my rifle: this trusty gun.

This road that I’ve taken will not be fun.

Only I long for change when this war is done.

 

To a rundown city, I know not well. I have arrived by going through Hell.

A rubble ridden city that has lost its wealth; I shall make a home here for my health.

These people here are so downhearted: I hope they were happy before this started.

The clothes of sadness and pain must I wear, so I can blend in for being discovered I do not dare.

No friendly eyes reside in this place; to avoid any conflict I keep to my space.

Why now I see a uniform most familiar; this is an occupied city of people to similar.

 

This place in which I now reside

Became rather unsafe to hide,

For the enemy stands here with powerful pride;

I feel remorse and pain and solemnity for those who’ve died.

 

A banner I see which is most unknown; these people desire most for home.

A friendly shop keeper I recognize: an old family friend I just realized.

I took up residence in her house; even here the only thing happy is the mouse.

Her daughter, a friend of my youth, I did recall. In her lovely favor I did soon fall.

I would not touch her until we were wed. That morning began so loud that my ears nearly bled.

As trumpets played through our street, a newspaper I read spoke of our country’s defeat.