Remember Me

A field so far from English shores

where poppies thrive for all to see.

In quiet moments touched by sun

a call is heard "Remember me".

"Remember me is all I ask,

my task complete my days are done,

my sacrifice to keep you free".

From tyranny no wars are won

for death destroys, brings agony

and sorrow eats at human hearts.

When eyes are blind and minds are set

and tolerance a word that's lost,

just stand, reflect and think again.

The ones you love will bear the cost.

Reviews

[Neville]

Although I've not been for about three years (because of Covid) I used to regularly go visit the Commonwealth war graves in France & Belgium .. and hope to resume soon in my new camper .. I totally understand the sentiments and maybe the physical feelings that compelled you to put pen to paper and pen this particularly poignant poem Pet .. 💜

[Chris Shaw]

Aw, what a lovely review from a chocolate box man. Soft centre, hard exterior:) or maybe the other way round:) I hope your camper van gets you there. I have never been, but even watching the sight on tv and at such a distance it rips me apart at the seams. Yes, both physically and mentally. I appreciate you my friend.

Chris

[Neville]

........... me too .. you must visit Ypres and the Menin Gate at 20.00hrs if its the very last thing you do .. N

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. It must be quite something. I’ll be sure to take a hanky .

[CD Campbell]

What a wonderful work. I feel the old masters would be proud. In the states, we seem to put the horrors of the second world war higher than the first due to casualty count. Ours were double vs. the first and Britains was almost the opposite as the body count was so high in WW1 in boggles the mind. As a species we still should be ashamed. Your poem was a very nice tribute.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you CD for your thoughts. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

It is always touching to me that others fight so hard and long to bring freedoms to those of us that don't have the strength to endure the fight. This is yet again a wonderful tribute to the fallen. I adore the poppy reference! Blessed be Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Queenie, yes we should never lose sight of the sacrifice that others have made to keep us free. Thank you so much.

Chris

[augustus]

Very appropriate and so sad at this time.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for responding Augustus. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[angel]

IN FLANDERS FIELDS
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

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

Composed at the battlefront on May 3, 1915
during the second battle of Ypres, Belgium

I had to memorize this in seventh grade (12 years old, in 1965), and have never forgotten it.
I read that John McCrea was sitting in an ambulance as he wrote this (took but a few minutes), having seen his best friend killed.
Very heartfelt write, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you angel. That was an excellent poem my friend to learn off by heart in your school days. Happy to see you here and hoping you are OK.

Chris

[angel]

Duing ok trying to get my head back to normal; normal for me, anyroad.

[Chris Shaw]

Thinking off you.

[Papaya]

A solemn poem of remembrance that pays tribute to the fallen with grace and beauty.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ana for your response.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

can be taken on many levels Chris ... easy, fluid spoken language, rhyme and rhythm ..your voice and forte' ;) beside the obvious war tragedy ... i leaned toward a more personal interpretation .. when differences unreasonably demand destroying anothers' views ...civility and bullying even among families ... classmates ... neighbors ... and spread then to horrors of war ... best thing i ever heard said .. or read .. there is NO glory in it .. none what so ever ;( its not like human beings should all agree .. be the same .. its a celebration in difference ... and Chris ... i watch from time to time the English Parliament "debate" .. it is raucous, lively, spirited and wonderful to behold ...sure you have had your "times" as well ... but a global, socialist initiative sucks the life from all says i! wonderful write my friend .. sorry to go a little astray from it ;}
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E. Pleased you were able to look at this poem on another level apart from the most obvious. Very much appreciate your comments. I also watch our Parliament channel and listen to the debates which can be informative, lively and fascinating. All good wishes.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

they are! and as lively as they get...my feeling is that they leave still friends ... our House and Senate debates are much more toned down by "order" ... boringggggg! ;)

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, they do get heated, but that demonstrates passion to me. Much more interesting.:))

[alanwgraham]

A timely reminder Christine. It would be good to think that we might have learned something but the evidence is against it. We can't help remembering however.
You have expressed it well.
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Alan. It is important we remember. The least I can do is my own personal tribute in poetry. Appreciate you Che King this one out.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Well done, Chris, I really like this. My grandfather was a veteran of that conflict & fought at Vimy Ridge & Passchendaele as part of the 18th Battalion CEF. Thankfully he came home.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ted. You must be incredibly proud of your Grandfather and most thankful that he survived that monster of a conflict. So pleased you liked my poem. That means a lot. All good wishes.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

He's been gone for many years now, but yes, I am very proud of him. We were fairly close.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

How hard it is to have loved ones so far awayy, especially when they are serving in the military. But it is easy to forget how hard it is on them being away from loved ones and home.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Cowboy, this week it is the centenary of the ending of the Great War. Thought it appropriate to pay my respects. I appreciate your visit.

Chris