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The Chances

I mind as *ow the night afore that show
Us five got talkin',-we was in the know.
'Over the top to-morrer; boys, we're for it.
First wave we are, first ruddy wave; that's tore it!"
*Ah well,' says Jimmy,-an' 'e's seen some scrappin'-
'There ain't no more nor five things as can 'appen:
Ye get knocked out; else wounded-bad or cushy;
Scuppered; or nowt except yer feelin' mushy.'
One of us got the knock-out, blown to chops.
T'other was 'urt, like, losin' both 'is props.
An' one, to use the word of 'ypocrites,
'Ad the misfortoon to be took be Fritz.
Now me, I wasn't scratched, praise God Almighty,
(Though next time please I'll thank 'im for a blighty).
But poor young Jim, 'e's livin' an' 'e's not;
'E reckoned 'e'd five chances, an' 'e 'ad;
'E's wounded, killed, and pris'ner, all the lot,
The bloody lot all rolled in one. Jim's mad.

Wilfred Owen.