When death is closer than home..."It's a long way to Tipperary"

Each knew his fate... With the 11th of the 11th looming time to give this oldie an airing

"Its a long way to Tipperary..."

A single voice the silence pierced
to drift through cordite air,
to rise above the clouds of death
forlorn, tinged with despair.

"Its a long way to go..."

Along the trench more voices joined
a choir now on death row,
ironic that they sang of home
for their fate they all did know.

"Its a long way to Tipperary..."

Across the mire where no man lived
o'er blood and stench and gore,
their song fell onto enemy
and through each heart it tore.

"to the sweetest girl I know..."

They'd be no winners in this war
only those that better fared,
a whole generations blooming youth
wars horror brutally pared.

"goodbye Piccadily..."

The brave who sang that fateful day
brothers, fathers, uncles, sons,
would perish going "over the top"
Scythed down by chattering guns.

"Farewell Leicester square..."

Now fields abloom with blood red flowers
blue skies, and larks on high,
remember the wanton sacrifice
of those that came to fight and die.

"Its a long, long, way to Tipperary,
but my heart's right there"

Reviews

[Gee]

Hi Emmaj.
This is one of a number of poems that I look at and think "where did that come from"
I guess we all do this when looking back on pieces we have penned.
Thank you for unearthing this, for giving it an airing. You are very, very much appreciated.
Hope you are well and enjoying the rain, more rain and the odd day of sunshine.
Off to northern Cyprus Friday with friends for some rest, relaxation, food and the odd glass of red:)

[emmajoygreen]

For some reason, apart from the sad beauty of your words, Gee, I thought it gave light to this year's D.Day celebration in the UK next month - June. Every war has its own history and you for now have claimed the 14-18 war with all its horrors as being THE one by using that song.. its lyrics known by our and other people's deep understanding of separation from families and country and the feeling of 'what goes next?'

This poem is superb, sincere and very, very special. Thank you for writing and sharing these words,
especially - if one can choose only one quote,

'The brave who sang that fateful day
brothers, fathers, uncles, sons,
would perish going "over the top"
Scythed down by chattering guns.

"Farewell Leicester square..."

Now fields abloom with blood red flowers
blue skies, and larks on high,
remember the wanton sacrifice
of those that came to fight and die.

"Its a long, long, way to Tipperary,
but my heart's right there"

[Patricia Wedel]

Yes… we all March to War when Duty calls. We never forget the Sorrow of tomorrow. gently, Pat

[Gee]

Thank you Patricia

[Betty Hermelee]

I know the song and it's a song of sadness, of war, perhaps of death.... soldiers longing to return to their homes....far away and thinking of nothing but their loved ones....it's a song of farewell, leaving familires behind...not knowing what to expect, will they die? be maimed? or reunite....Gee, I love your choice of words, the master of a great poet as you are...and the rhyming is perfect!!!
Best, to you Gee!
B.

[Gee]

Thank you Betty, I'm flattered.
Hope you are well :)

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Gee, have a great evening!
Best, B

[willweb]

This is a masterpiece of poetry and song. I really enjoyed this and though I am familiar (somewhat) with the song I never really knew its meaning or origin. I am assuming this is what I am reading sort of. Either way, a brilliant piece of work,

[Gee]

Thank you. The song itself was written just before the start of the first world war but was adopted by the troops in 1914-1918 as a marching song.
I'm glad you enjoyed the read

[softlyfall]

The first stanza is so compelling. Sets a harsh stage then people it with the young soldiers, filled with homesickness and fear but also filled with courage and hope. It makes me want to cry. I hate war.
And then the poem goes on and an even greater courage in the face of danger grows. The song grows louder but cannot drown out the gunfire. In the end, there is always the blood of the young whose lives were cut short and whose mothers grieve.
This is powerful. Extremely good. But it made me cry.

[Gee]

Apologies for the tears.
It is so sad when you think.of all those naive young men toodling off on what they assumed would be a short adventure then home again. They couldn't have been more wrong. Doesn't bear to think of the horrors they witnessed before becoming names and dates on memorial stones across this country and others.
Thank you for reading and commenting

[Dave Brown]

Just happened across this and I see why you have attracted so many visits
The type of impressive, meaningful poetry that is a world away from my creations.
A token to all those who were sacrificed and did sacrifice.
thanks for highlighting the futile, reward free aspect of war
Incredibly, war is still a Hollywood favorite

[Gee]

Hi Dave, belated thanks.
I was solely a rhymer when first landing here but have attempted to branch out over the years.
Hope you are keeping well

[LazerRays]

The title immiately drew me in. And the poem failed to disapoint :D
it's a sad thing you've written about and I love the way you've gently taken that and touched it with your words. "They'd be no winners in this war" this struck me the most. I don't know exactly why but I like it the most. This is a fantastic poem I so very much appreciate!

[Gee]

Thank you Sarah, I'm chuffed you enjoyed the read.

[BBP]

I read this before and I liked it again! It reminds me of an irish song, telling a story in perfect harmony and balance and history.

[Gee]

Thank you kindly. Hope you and yours are well.