Ypres

There is often more truth contained in just a few words than in those comprising of several languages... Here we need a collective voice and understanding... Feel free to share, translate or copy... N

Ypres

 

Often mispronounced yet

Still more often misunderstood

 

There were three of them in all

 Back on back

 

Each single one of them more bloody

Than the one that went before

 

Let us not forget

Ypres

 

+

 

 

Author's Note

For everyone who gave their lives during the Great War 1914 - 1918 and for everyone of their surviving relatives and friends and for everyone else out there where ever he or she may be... We owe far too much to forget... the b&w image is of my daughter

Reviews

[Fay Slimm]

Ypres - - The very word rings battle-bells where war took its toll on myriad lives - - or "Wipers" as and men made brave jokes about pronouncing it otherwise - -- your worthy tribute brings tears to my eyes Nev - -
--- dare we ever forget ! ................x

[Neville]

..................... Bless you Fay .. x

[Ken Simm.]

No indeed, let us not. Well done Neville.

[Neville]

.............. thank you Ken :)

[AJNJ]

Misunderstanding is the basis of animosity and war...each more bloody than the next and I feel disturbed at how much blood was shed. You make much impact in a few brief lines and so informative too. Thank you for sharing dear sir.

[Neville]

some things just need to be said .. sorry & thank you are not said often enough ... cheers AJ ..

[Wild Rose]

"We will remember them"
My friends from the 'Cold War' who didn't return and all those serving now and in the future yet to serve

[Neville]

Here, here my friend, well said & true..... many thanks.. Neville

[emmajoy]

This is more than a tribute, Neville, this is respect absolute. For me, that battle, that time and the loss of a generaltion should be a reminder of what war is and does. Thousands died, every hour a bloody tragedy. Yet, few if any lessons learned. Thank you for jogging memories.. if ever they need it.

[Neville]

Thank you emmajoy, yes indeed, such a waste.. was said to be 'the war to end all wars'.. what a joke eh'.. glad we are on the same side tho.... N x

[emmajoy]

A cruel joke that apparently still amuses those who beckon.. ..

[Neville]

I think when it was said, it was maybe meant, such was the naivety of man....

[emmajoy]

Will keep very quiet.. just this once. But still thank you for perpetuating the respect that time deserves.. forever.

[Neville]

Nooooo, don't do that, what will the neighbours think... but yes, forever :)

[Lydia Shutter]

My hubby and I went to Ypres in Belgium when we visited the country. It is in the Dutch speaking area of Belgium...Flanders. No, we should never forget what happened there. Good tribute. Lydi**

[Neville]

Blimey, how amazing is that.. we used to go regularly to attend the playing of the 'last post' ceremony.. hope to be there this November too to commemorate 100 years since the armistice.. it is very moving isn't it... thank you Lydi** .. N

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed it is! We were so happy we went.

[Neville]

I'm glad you did too, truly am...and thank you again N

[Chris Shaw]

Passchendaele, the third battle, half a million casualties. Those numbers are completely overwhelming. The grief would be enough to blot out the sun. All that sacrifice, almost too unbearable to contemplate. We must never forget. You honour them Neville, by remembering them in your poetry.

Chris

[Neville]

That's the one Chris..... cheers & true.... N

[sette]

And a lot of lessons learned along the way

[Neville]

very true, otherwise just imagine... thank you sette.. N

[Neville]

The B&W image is of my daughter Bex who keeps memory alive by serving in the Tommy Atkins re-enactment Society...and happens to be the final image in a documentary she made years ago..

[Einstein Noodle]

had to look up the battle ... i enjoy your very straight forward style for this .. the form is like a greased funnel ... reading is fast and crystal clear ... it is a bit amazing to read this tribute for those lost so long ago in a battle that is not taught in everyday school ... nice one .. your poem has enriched my life in history and appreciation ...
E.

[Neville]

Wow, what an accolade.... thank you for having taken both the time and the trouble to do a little bit of research and for your very encouraging review... All Good Things, Neville