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The Great War

O

O.C.

Guest
Who knows who really gained?
When our World was badly stained
Led by "Wise men" answered the call
Strong and weak gave their all
But "Oh that sad lament"
For all what was good and decent.
 
As the 11 British divisions walked towards the German lines, the machine guns started and the slaughter began.
Click to expand...

Where the Poppies Grow

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Hard cold marble stands where life has departed
This a by product of a war that was started
Faceless names cut in stone, eroded by wind, by hard driven rain
No memories of this man, no meaning for a life taken in vain
He did it for you! For his country! For his King!
A fatherless family, a dastardly thing
"Over the top lads, lets get em!" Out goes the cry
War weary he mumbles "This day I shall die"
Thoughts of his loved ones, his kids and his lass
Lungs strain, There's no air! Oh God not the gas!
Bloody fingers claw mud, the panic has set in
No thought now for loved ones, no thought now of kin
Bullets and shrapnel tear flesh, khaki turning to red
So many lives stolen, so many lie dead
Did this war set him free? Make his future most bright
Did it right all those wrongs, so no need again to fight
Marble stones hold that answer, they stand row on row
Come take a look where the Poppies grow
Rod Birch 2003​
 
Thank you Rod, very eloquent. I have a tiny book of war poems from the WW1 and this one can rival any of them.  I think about all the tiny cemeteries all over Belgium, Holland and France, most of which are lovingly tended by the locals.  In Belgium we found several such places and the schoolchildren place flowers on the graves frequently.  All someones beloved son, husband, father or brother.
 
You know friends,
our generation will never forget
the sacrifce made by young & old,
let's hope they will still be remembered
in 50 years time
 
Wonderful words Rod.........We can only hope that they will be remembered in 50 years time.
 
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