Bitter Sweet by Audrey Wood
Food - the sustenance of life
The banquet is set
Let the festivities commence
For the conquering soldiers
Bowls of steaming hot soup
Rich with vegetables
Guzzled down to keep out the cold
Behind the barbed wire the children shiver.
Succulent meats on the bone
Rare red beef with hot horseradish
Crackling pork with apple sauce
Minted pink lamb and rosemary venison
White turkey and chicken with purple cranberries
Dishes filled with colourful vegetables
Plump sprouts, dark green cabbage and spinach
Fluffy white potatoes, creamy Swede, sweet parsnips
Lie beside orange carrots and red ripe tomatoes
All to fill the soldiers bellies.
Behind barbed wire the childrens bellies swell with hunger
Red and white wine with amber nectar the juice of hops
Sharp citrus fruits and cider apple liquids
Cool water, hot tea and coffee
All to quench the soldiers thirst.
Behind barbed wire the children's mouths are parched.
Refreshing fruits galore
Sweet black and green grapes tumble over
Crunchy, rosy apples and juicy pears
Ripened yellow bananas, soft velvety peaches
All fill the soldiers mouths with fruity flavours
Behind barbed wire the children taste their last breath.