Bethune Re-visited

She is well worth a visit...

Bethune Re-visited

On reflection the

Magnificently covert

Though much

Anticipated and

Gentle fall of

La petit ville Bethune

Several months

Before her more heavily

Châteaued counterparts

Was no big deal and

Now means nothing

In retrospect

Having offered up

Both flanks and front

She was merely

Taken from behind

On three or four

Occasions though

Only briefly occupied

Each time

Today wild flowers

Grow and cattle feed

Few mortared bricks

Remain

To be fair though

A half erected 

Cenotaph

Is surely not enough

To justify or to

Remind us all

Of her once

False innocence  

Nor her beauty

Pain and shame

 

 

 

Reviews

[emmajoy]

There are twists and turns in this writing, sends the mind off and away to at least history, biology and logic. Most of all it reminds people how the past can linger, how memories can't be laid, especially in such an evil war. Both Love and War seem to bring out the finest but most heart-breaking poetry.

[Neville]

Thank you for taking a peek at these old words emmajoy tis appreciated.. Neville

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

Writing about war is difficult, Neville, but you've constructed a masterpiece, trumpeting innuendo. You've captured the readers' attention with this one. :)

Thanks for sharing.

[Neville]

How very kind.. many thanks indeed Tamara... Neville

[Ken Simm.]

A true war poem with all the subtleties therin. Just when you thought you'd got away with it. The town that is not you. Although.
Even the double entendres are moving.

[Neville]

Thank you Ken, a much appreciated visit... Neville

[Verse]

Speaking of making a person blush... does your mother know you wrote this, Nev??? :):)

Now that’s how you bring history to life.

Oh, btw, it’s la petite ville, but who really cares?


V

[Neville]

Thank you Verse.. Nice of you to drop in and consider these words of mine, much appreciated.. N

[Lorry]

My first thought was how peacefully tranquil a place this looks for contemplation and remembrance, but after reading your words, solemn came to mind, along with the end scene of going over the top, fades into what it is now, a poppy field.
This has a true and real war poem feel. From what I have read of, humour of the wry variety found its way into many a poets work, which was perhaps a defence mechanism, or to remember they are human. The lines about being taken from behind is a great example of a sly double entendre that would have escaped the censors cut.
A beautifully crafted piece, which makes us pause for thought at what so many gave for us.

[Neville]

Thank you Lorry, I really appreciate you visiting & you were bang on target regarding that rear entry and the censors.. we have several letters from family members that survive the so called great war and on a couple the censors brown smudges render the page almost unreadable... thanks again my friend... Neville

[Lorry]

When all hell is breakinh loose, I do believe excuse me's and thank you were the first casualty. It is how we cope.
My first work experience was in the clyde shipbuilders. My apprenticeship consisted of how many obscenities I could say in an hour. I made the examiner cry :)

[Neville]

shame on him... there ya go, setting me off again.. I presume it was a him...

[Chris Shaw]

During the 14-18 war, the town of Bethune was bombarded and virtually flattened by the Germans that I know. I have no idea how many were killed, but if there is only a half erected cenotaph, that seems shameful to me considering the barbarity of this event. A poignant poem Neville. Maybe a visit nowadays does not reflect at all what happened there?

Chris

[Neville]

Thank you Chris for taking time to consider these words.. you are of course right, I have driven through Bethune countless times on my visits to various Commonwealth War Graves and associated sited but mainly on my way to Ypres and the Old Tom Hotel & Restaurant which is a favourite hang out place for me.. Hope to be there in November for the 100th anniversary... Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Now Neville, I will be expecting some special poetry after you attend the 100th anniversary in November :) I have written quite a few poems myself to honour the war dead, I will have to go through the archives after my holiday. Responding from Brixham and it is a very beautiful evening.

Chris

[Neville]

No promises, but will see what we can do.. enjoy Brixham & the rest of ya holiday..... N

[Einstein Noodle]

fantastic pic! looked up La petit ville Bethune and learned a bit of its history ..especially the "watch tower" and the war ... strong work with personifications sir ... would love to have an author's note on what your inspiration was for this one ... there is much more intrigue in your poem than what i read about "her" ... refreshing read for me ... i am a bit exhausted from all the emotional turmoil of my morning coffee right here at the Cafe' ;) a little history is a soothing balm ... top o' the mahrnin" to ya!
E.

[Neville]

Hello my friend and welcome to these old words.. I am delighted that you were the very first to leave a comment.. even more so that you bothered to check out Bethune , there is certainly some history there... Visits always welcome...Hope you and yours are well... Neville

[Einstein Noodle]

same to you Neville ... this is an enriching poem says i! :)

[Neville]

cheers says I.... N

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ...................