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

[W.k.kortas]

While I'm not sure I agree with the assertion of the prior reviewer that this piece could not be written without a rhyme scheme, it's certainly a very effective device, giving the piece something of a music-hall feel which helps place it in its time. The pacing and rhyme scheme are handled quite nicely; it's a very strong piece.

[Gee]

It is good that we all differ in opinions,what a boring place otherwise eh?Thank you for reading and reviewing it is appreciated.Cheers

[daninstockholm]

i read so many poems written in meter and rhyme that are, well, not perfectly executed, but this one is!! There is NO POSSIBLE WAY that this could have been written in any other form without a gross diminution of effect or beauty, A superb example of how to still, in these times, write poems in meter and make it work... Fabulous!!

Having said all that,, the subject and story are close to my heart and you do them beautiful justice! I am on the battlefields, the smell of gunpowder, the overhwelming sense of doom,,

[Gee]

Thank you Dan, great comments and review.Much appreciated.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

damn, Gee....this is so moving---no one really wins in war...too much bloodshed and ruin...

[Gee]

Cheers Jacob,YOUR reviews are always received with a smile on my face.Thank you

[jeannemarie coulter]

chillingly beautiful comment about war and loss...extremely well penned...

[Gee]

Thank you Jeannemarie

[terry smith]

Everything about war brings a great sadness, your poem is beautiful,and did that great justice!!

[Gee]

Thank you for your kind review

[Briana]

I'll never pretend to know much about poetry, but I'm so impressed by this. The flow from first to final stanza was impeccable, the story told heart-wrenching, and the imagery breath-taking. The use of the lines of an already existing song was genius. Good on you, love.

[Gee]

I'm the same.I like what I like,have no clue about the different styles,terms Tec,and simply write what comes into my head.Thank you to a lovely review

[Relic]

This is certainly dramatic when the background is known. The blitz was a horrible time that tested the strength of Britain like never before. "We'll fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds...." It was a time of fear but also of courage. This poem is done very well. Good job Gee.

[Relic]

http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/HouseofRelics/1132455/

[Gee]

Thank you for reviewing,muchly appreciated

[Richard🖌]

Gosh, Gee, your Quatrains and refrains speak in a bold poetic voice that penetrates and sweeps your reader away into the moment, as excellent poetry should.
Many emotions flowed through me while reading though the messages and imagery of your lines and verse, Gee, the least of which inspired a soft and regretful, but grateful tear for all the brave beings who fought and sacrificed (often, wantonly and unjustly) for the sake of freedom from the tyranny of dictatorship and terror.
With the exception of a few flow issues (easily addressed), I think you've rendered a virtual masterpiece, and I love it … thank you, My Friend, for the privilege and pleasure! 〜 Richard

[Gee]

Thank you Richard for a great review.As with all of my poems this was written quite quickly,45mins,this morning whilst waiting on a service engineer.I will revisit and address the flow issues,hopefully improving the poem.Again thank you,such kind words from one of my peers are greatly appreciated.

[Richard🖌]

A big thumbs-up!

[Einstein Noodle]

struck me dead center ... we should never forget those brave hearts ... ever .. nor the heritage they secured at such great cost ..well said ...very well indeed .. and as i hear them singing i can feel their courage swell ... such a power in song sung by brothers at arms ...
E.

[Gee]

Indeed,and most knowing their fate.Cheers

[Einstein Noodle]

yes sir! so weepingly true!

[Tom]

Aye yes indeed, the horrors, brutality and futility of 'bloody' war so compassionately and powerfully expressed in this well thought out poem!

Top writing my friend !

[Gee]

Thanks,appreciate the review