EXIT NUMBER 10, ARRAS...(My poem about the WW1 chalk tunnels in Arras, France...)

 Exit Number 10, Arras…

Ambience affected by the constant dripping water

And, shivering involuntarily,

He grimaced, as he chiselled,

Carved and cut chalk,

To create, in relief,

A crude crucifix,

His personal shrine to a pal

Who was ripped apart, incomprehensibly,

By grapeshot’s indiscriminate slaughter.

Conscience disaffected by the insistent grating thunder

And, shuddering uncontrollably,

He wept, as he crouched,

Curled, cowered and choked,

To climb on steps,

A calamitous climax,

His practical sacrifice to a pal.

He was torn asunder, uncomprehendingly,

By shrapnel’s consummate plunder…

Pete Ray 

The tunnels at Arras, where a crucifix had been carved in the chalk by a soldier, for his dead friend. 

Exit 10 was at the top of a gloomy set of stairs and the tension chilled the atmosphere harrowingly. 

The attack from the medieval tunnels on the German line was a surprise to the enemy but snow had fallen and problems arose for soldiers without greatcoats…