Shrapnel torn and bomb-burned clothes,
Staring eyes reflecting flame,
And human shame.
Child of war, child no more.

Grubby face ingrained with dirt,
Lines of worry,
Lines of hurt.
Child of war, child no more.

Hair askance and early grey,
Flecked with dust,
But not from play.
Child of war, child no more.

Innocence torn and stripped away,
Laughter squashed,
No trust today.
Child of war, child no more.