There But For Fortune

Written after a visit to a local church where our Prime Minister worships

Free from treacherous warfare

torturing my memories,

I have lived and loved

beyond the valley of death.

My breath has not agonised

nor my spirit been broken

by the loss of one of my own

blown up in the course of duty.

I have not trembled

at that dreaded door knock

or felt the fear of the Reaper

creeping near.

Or listened to the weeping

of family and friends

as they mourn their war dead.

Neither have I faced the devastation

that comes when a nation

fights for its freedom.

Unlike my forebears

my generation remains

relatively unscathed.

Yet, I am reminded by

engraved brass plaques

on peaceful church walls

gleaming in glorious sunlight

of our local lads.

Scythed down, they stood little chance

to leave firm footsteps or dance

to the tune of life.

I shudder at their sacrifice.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

This poem reminds me of a practice I have come to value, that of being grateful for what I have been spared. The awareness shown in these clear and moving lines is something we all might emulate. The last verse especially was poignant. It made me think of the First Battle of the Somme in 1916, when the British Expeditionary Force lost nearly 60,000 men in a single day, most of them new men who had been recruited to replace the losses of the previous two years. Well done.

[Chris Shaw]

That's how I feel, more than grateful. If you are in the wrong place and at the wrong time heaven help you. I find the figures overwhelming and the older I get, the more it hurts. The crass stupidity of the human race. On a path way to self destruct one way or another. On a much lighter note, have a happy Christmas and thank you for your time and your thoughtful response.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

And a merry Christmas to you, too.

[duck]

gratitude is what I get from this poetry. happy xmas to all.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you duck, gratitude on many counts. Merry Christmas :)

[Jade]

WOW!! This is so good and holds a depth in this. I am not sure what Scythed means, I did enjoy this write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. It means cut down. Scythed like corn in a field. I appreciate your thoughts.
read moreThank you so much. It means cut down. Scythed like corn in a field. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Jade]

oh okay, thank you.

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome