It is narrating on the children that lives a completely different live, and born in a world of war with no light. It shows how blinded they have been turned into by the external circumstances and why it deserves our sympathy. The phrase "war consume them" further evokes the reader's feelings on how the children have been used as a machine for war, which then leads to the war being the entire point of their lives.
Language and Dictation
Metaphors were used. One example would be the title, in which darkness do not necessarily meant a place with no bright light to light up the place. It has a deeper meaning in which refers to being blinded by war.
Personal Response
Definitely, its very painful to know that children who are forced by the war circumstances to go to war. They had nothing to do with war and yet they are involved! The author had made of use of this point and depicted it very well in his poem. He is able to allow the readers to know how children are "kept in the dark". I really sympathize and empathize them. Through this poem, I have also learn to treasure my life more. I am taking things for granted in my daily lives. On the other hand, children same age as me or even younger had to suffer much more than me, they had to go to war, they do not get enough shelter and food.
Source : http://www.warpoetry.co.uk
http://2a306languagearts.blogspot.com/2011/05/children-in-darkness-task-2.html