French Soldier In Winter…
(Inspired by Herbert Herget’s painting of World War I…)
That bleak, attritional war has turned the landscape to desolation.
Drifted snow has piled up behind the infantryman, as mist
Obscures another targeted and crumbling town,
Whilst one distant figure, accepting of his lot, angular and reflecting alone,
Looks wizened, lean and broken, echoing the hazy, shelled background scene.
The bleak and tired expression of the infantryman is one of realisation
That the conflict would continue, with another Christmas missed.
His eyes reveal horror, fear, loss and death, as they stare down
Beyond his walking aid and lagged, sodden boots treading the wintry zone,
Dishevelled puttees tight round shins and calves, his predicament obscene.
Head beneath helmet wrapped in bandage to below his chin, an indication
Of an injury perhaps, warmth too, his damp scarf tight at his neck, an ungloved fist
Gripping his rifle butt, its bayonet fixed. His trenchcoat, a muddy brown,
Has a loose glove hanging like a child’s, as the Frenchman trudges through the drone
Of war, of carnage, of no hope, in a campaign designed to demean…
Pete Ray…
21st December 2025…
Herbert Herget was American, he lived from 1885 until 1950 and the above watercolour painting was completed on paper board…
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