This poem serves as a harsh reminder of the toils of war; suffering and death is universal, and "shrapnel does not discriminate". Black emphasizes the broad aftermath of war, detailing the struggles faced by citizens and veterans alike. Finally, the poem ends with a message found commonly in war-time writing: Remember those who fought and gave their lives in battle. But the title also leaves an optimistic print, for we can learn to "Carry On" despite it all.