Tell me good lady; where is James the Blacksmith,
For his Song is heard no more,
The Anvil Chimes by a different hand,
Behind the Workshop Door?
He’s gone to fight in the War lad.
And what of Poet Sam the ‘Ostler’,
Mother Natures faithful one,
Who writes of all her Children near,
In verse when work is done?
He’s gone to fight in the War lad.
And what of loyal Tom Edward Sullivan,
Who is Piety to the bells,
So to proclaim a blessed union,
Or a Loved Ones sad farewell?
He’s gone to fight in the War lad.
Have you seen Daniel or Jacob Hudson,
Those twins of sporting fame,
Who hit for Six and bowled clean-out,
For Village and won the game?
They’ve gone to fight in the War lad.
And where is young Robert Gibson,
Who Courts fair Alice Page,
He can’t have taken the ‘Shilling Prize’,
For he’s not of serving age?
He’s gone to fight in the War lad.
I’ve searched in vain for Charlotte,
That dear Milk-Maid at the farm,
She can’t have fooled the Recruiting Boys,
And taken-up with Arms?
She’s gone to fight in the War lad.
Oh! Will we ever get to see again,
Our Kin, Our brother Man,
Or will there be, fates sad decree,
In a dreadful Telegram?
Son, how can I read of Fortune’s script,
Those words are vailed and dark,
I only know of fear and pain, Within this Mother’s Heart.
For what tale of Death and Sorrow ,
Will future years recall,
When England’s bloom of Roses stood,
To Wilt and Bend In Flanders Mud,
Though with Valour and so to Fall.
-
Author:
Kevin Hulme (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: February 4th, 2025 20:37
- Comment from author about the poem: Wrote this a few years back. We often hear of a Village that lost a great deal of Men in WW1. And that’s what gave me the Idea for this Poem. Later I read that some Girls fooled the Recruiters and joined: Amazing. So had to add another few lines.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 10
- Users favorite of this poem: Cheeky Missy
Offline)
Comments4
Excellent Kevin .. I mean your poem pinned so perfectly to this particular page .. If I ever had faves, be sure this would rank among them .. A topic very dear to my own heart .. Bravo bro .. Neville
Thank you. Glad you liked it.
A sensitive and touching write, in the days when whole communities were lost to war and about the bravery people showed in choosing to go to war and defend. Enjoyable read, Poetically
Thank you for your Comment and Reading.
You are very welcome
WWI is on another level, where lore and legend still thrive. Thanks for capturing that so brilliantly. 🙏🏻🕊
Thank you. My Grandfather was in WW1 and was ‘Gassed’. My father said he NEVER talked about the War. Thank for Reading.
Mustard. I always wondered how they could concoct such vile weaponry from a condiment. It has bolstered my distaste for war. The family collection of medals and military merit don’t quite make up for it. On the other hand, their service is not to be dishonoured or forgotten. 🙏🏻🕊️
A moving piece, Kevin. A fine write indeed. Love the repetition of gone to fight in the war. Powerful stuff.
Thank you. ‘The War to End all Wars’ they said. If only.
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