Speaking: the Hero by Felix Pollak

I did not want to go. the inducted me.

I did not want to die. the called me yellow.

I tried to run away. they court martialed me.

I did not shoot. they said I had no courage.

They ordered the attack. A shrapnel tore my guts

I cried in pain. They carried me to safety.

In safety I died. They threw taps over me.

they crossed out my name And bured me under a cross.

They made a speech in my hometown I was unable to call them liars.

They said I gave my life. I had struggled to keep it.

they said I set an example. I had tried to run.

They said they were proud of me. I was ashamed of them.

they said my mother should be proud. my mother cried.

I wanted to live. they called me a coward.

I died a coward. they called me a hero.