215 INTERMEDIATE POEM, SECOND PLACE Arshpreet Kaur At Least He Tried I had a gun in my hand. I never thought I would make it, But here I stand— Ready for war, Ready to die, Ready to give my life. I wasn't ready; I wasn't even sure. Me, who had never even hurt a 昀y before, Me that is now standing to 昀ght a war Just so my family can say, “At least he tried.” And then, The war began. I fought with passion; There was a lot of action. And then came my life’s last session. I fell to the ground, full of poppies. The 昀ower and the colour of my blood looked alike; It reminded me of my life, It reminded me of my family, It reminded me of my friends, I didn’t wanna die. I wanted to go back I wanted to hug my love just one last time. I hated myself for even thinking that I stood a chance. I hated myself for trying. I wanted to cry, But I knew that I had to at least try. I thought maybe, just maybe, I will be honoured one day. Maybe I will be remembered. And just maybe someone will cry for me, Saying, “At least he tried…”
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