Singing..
Let us remember
all imprisoned birds, in order to sing
must visualize
winging to real freedom across open
countryside so
into war's cell young marchers strode
whistling then sang
as loaded missiles whined over-head.
Without prior warning a boy started
quietly, others
joined in and soon a tunelessly loud
number proudly
bellowed refrains into shell's flak-fire
at going down
behind black hills in yellow dust-ring
the day's dying
sun sank in thick battle-soiled gloom.
Their singing lifted to smoky horizons
with undaunted
courage and when nearing gun-blast
lads' exploding
songs became louder within bedlam's
fire-drenched trenches
and sunk in faith war's Godless intent.
Youth's face grinned as blood's scene
raked minds yet met
sheer resistance to hell's rattling rain.
Fears held within,
lads' cheery laughter and balladeering
went on to defy
battleground wailing until breath failed
and young songbirds
when in last thoughts of home-land at
some closing moment
let fight cease with throe's final breath.
Freedom's battle
over for such lads meant singing effort
forever was done.
Red as the poppy was spilt blood then
and in wars to come.
Let us remember..... and never forget.
-
Author:
Fay Slimm. (
Offline) - Published: November 8th, 2019 03:36
- Comment from author about the poem: A tribute re=posted as part of the Memorial to lost ones in war.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 33
Offline)
Comments6
A fine tribute Fay.
From my (non-existent) book 'Meanwhile' (meaning an assortment of daftness) - I remember it well. I sang there. We always won the wars. My singing scared off the enemy! heehee.
Yes singing in conditions like war takes some courage - thanks for the comment Orchi.
A great timely reposting
My thanks dear MIchael - - that defiant singing lives in our hearts.
DULCE ET DECORUM EST
PRO PATRI MORI (Horace ~ Ode 3.2 VALOUR)
IT IS SWEET & FITTING
TO DIE FOR ONES COUNTRY
This quote from Horace ~ about ROMAN SOLDIERS ~
Was considered a lie by WILFRED OWEN in his famous
anti-war POEM published in pothumously in 1920.
Your poem paints a different picture from Owens Poem
of Young Soldiers in the First World War (1914 ~ 18) defiantly
singing their Way to DO or DIE ! This is probably nearer the
TRUTH ~ BUT ~ apart from SILENT NIGHT there probably
was not a lot of singing in the TRENCHES ! I was born in 1983
so Ive never had to do NATIONAL SERVICE and joining the Armed
Forces is optional. Fiends of mine who served in IRAQ etc found
many aspects traumatic. I guess WWI & WW2 (1939 - 45) were very different ?
Thanks for sharing ~ ANGELA & I support 11th November ~ wear
Red Poppiesand attend Remembrance Services & Local ~
War Memorial Services ~ WHY ?Because we are grateful for all
those who fought ~ and especially those who had died for Our
Freedom and for Me (BRIAN) especially people in my extended
Family ! Spain was neutral LET US REMEMBER ~ AND NEVER FORGET
Blessings & Peace & Joy
Love BRIAN & ANGELA
💙🧡💙🧡💙
Freedom was bought at great price and we need to remember dear duo..... many thanks for your comment on Singing.
"WE WILL REMEMBER THEM".
We certainly will dear Andy - - their singing told us so much.
an excellent and timely reminder dear Fay.... N
Thank you and so true that we need these reminders dear friend........ may their singing never fade from our hearts........................... x
absolutely true.... x
yes, lets never forget, did the final scream rhymed with the rest of the stanza
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