In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Originally written by Major John McCrae and shared under fair use policy for Remembrance.
In Flanders Fields followed by In Waters Deep. Two poems written over 100 years ago and as current, resonating and required linking all those who sacrificed, life, time and experiences beyond their years to protect, serve and provide a peaceful place for us to be, to live, each footstep one of their own handed over like a baton of life everlasting in this place or the next.
We remember those who sacrificed their lives, who were harmed or injured or who never returned quite the same from what they had seen, heard, experienced, lost.
We are thankful to those who have veterans have also dedicated their lives to keep us safe and to those serving members who continue to keep us safe, they are also in our reflections today.
In ocean wastes no poppies blow,
No crosses stand in ordered row,
Their young hearts sleep… beneath the wave…
The spirited, the good, the brave,
But stars a constant vigil keep,
For them who lie beneath the deep.
‘Tis true you cannot kneel in prayer
On certain spot and think. “He’s there.”
But you can to the ocean go…
See whitecaps marching row on row;
Know one for him will always ride…
In and out… with every tide.
And when your span of life is passed,
He’ll meet you at the “Captain’s Mast.”
And they who mourn on distant shore
For sailors who’ll come home no more,
Can dry their tears and pray for these
Who rest beneath the heaving seas…
For stars that shine and winds that blow
And whitecaps marching row on row.
And they can never lonely be
For when they lived… they chose the sea…
Originally written by © 2001 Eileen Mahoney shared under fair use policy for Remembrance.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM