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by Lily C., 11

Today I leave for the army.
I wave to my mother.
I say bye to my sister.
I hug my brother goodbye.

Although I am saying goodbye, I say hello to the lonely road ahead.
As my donkey walks on, my carriage rolling at a steady pace, I write on a piece of parchment:

Lonely roads I walk,
Trying hard to find a home.
I cannot give up.

I listen to the grass sway as I pass a cow pasture. They moo as if to say:

We may only graze.
We watch, with grief, the people
Trying not to stop.

I finally reach camp. The sounds of marching men and drums fill my ears:

Hello newcomer.
Why have you come to this place?
This is not your home.

Red Bank, New Jersey