In World War I, so long ago,
A squadron flew, with planes in tow.
Triplanes soared high, in skies so blue,
The sound of their engines, quite a view.

In trenches below, soldiers lay,
Several waiting for the fray.
A stalemate had set in, for days on end,
Each side trying to break the bend.

The triplanes circled, watching below,
Hoping to help their side's heroes grow.
But in the trenches, the soldiers knew,
The war wasn't won, with skies so new.

The triplanes dove, bombs in sight,
Trying to help the soldiers' plight.
But the stalemate held, no side could win,
Until the war was finally at its end.

So children, remember this tale,
Of the triplanes and soldiers, and their travail.
In war, there are no winners to see,
Only loss, and pain, and misery.

Reflections

Here are some questions to ask kids to think about the story:

1. What was World War I, and how did it affect people around the world?
2. What were triplanes, and how were they used in the war?
3. What were trenches, and why were they important during the war?
4. Why do you think the soldiers and pilots had such a difficult time during the war, even with all their advanced technology?
5. How do you think the soldiers in the trenches felt when they saw the triplanes flying overhead?
6. What do you think the author is trying to teach us about war and its impact on people?