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Requiescat in Pace

We will remember them,
as we that are left grow old.

Remember them, as alive,
we shared those final seconds
which left them dead
and us wondering
whether the next bomb,
bullet or shell
would have our name on it.

Remember those plots of foreign soil
where we buried them,
under a rough wooden cross
contrived from a broken ammo box,
on which in black-lead pencil
was inscribed their
number, rank, and name,

and R.I.P.

Author notes

The fourth stanza of 'For the fallen' by Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
we will remember them.

A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 7 of 7

  • Asonine
    November 19, 2008
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    Oml, this was so good, truly amazing! really caught me heart there, bravo.

    KEM


    • Shenton silver member
      November 20, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      L H

      Thankyou for reading, commenting, and for your very generous applause.

      Best wishes from 'down-under'.

      Shenton


  • dustytiger
    November 11, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    wow this is another amazing piece written about such a somber day, i like that you chose to honour those who have not made it, it really works, best of luck in the contest


    • Shenton silver member
      November 11, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      dusty tiger

      Thankyou for reading and for your comments.

      Best wishes from 'down-under'.

      Shenton


  • Cynthia Gaines gold member
    November 11, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Dear Shenton,

    Thank you for sharing your thoughtful poem, "Requiescat in Pace" with all of us! You ARE the humble poet - possessing both rare intelligence and poetic sensibility. I am honored to have your heart-and-soul-felt contribution in my contest, and very happy to have found some of your excellent work posted on this "Allpoetry" website!! Thanks again, I'm wishing you the best of luck in everything you do!!!
    Peace always, xx Cyn xx

    • Shenton silver member
      November 15, 2008

      Edit | Reply

      Dear Cyn

      Thankyou for my gold award.

      As a baby-boomer from WWI and a veteran from WWII I suppose my muse must be fuelled by the researches I've done into my father's post-WWI (1924) death from wounds received on the Westen Front, serving with the Royal Field Artillery, just before the Armistice in 1918, and from my own experiences, serving with the Royal Engineers, in England, North Africa and Italy between 1939 and1946.

      Things seen on TV, heard on radio or fom the other participant in a conversation, or when enjoying a musical concert; smells from the kitchen or detected when passing a bakery, or a restaurant, all have the power to evoke for me a memory of another place, another time. just as, having been an only child, did seeing the childhood activites of my children(3), their children (6), and now of my daughter's grand-children(2). (Five of us migrated from England to Perth,Western Australia fifty years ago and we now number 19).

      I'm also lucky enough to have the ability , once thus prompted, to let my right hand, and the pen it holds, write whatever it wants to. I cannot compose direct via keyboard to computer screen. Of course that's what I'm doing now, but...let's not pursue that thought.
      Not only have you awarded me a gold token for my entry in your contest but in addition I am also rewarded by your very generous applause. Thankyou sincerely.

      I send you my best wishes from 'down-under'.

      Shenton

      • Cynthia Gaines gold member
        November 15, 2008
        Edit | Reply

        Dear Shenton,

        Thank you for your very thoughtful reply, and I congratulate you on your hard-earned golden chalice!! Seriously, "Requiescat in Pace" is very touching, your whole story just really grabbed my heartstrings. To think about all the wars, and family and friends who made their sacrifices, including yourself, must be painful and difficult to live with. I applaud YOUR sacrifices, efforts, duty, and honor to country, as well as your genuine compassion and care for those fallen heroes who are remembered in your poem, buried beneath hand-made crosses with penciled-lettering. Thank you again for sharing your muse's thoughts for this Veterans Day/Armistice Day/Remembrance Day contest. Your golden words were heard, and are much appreciated!! Peace always, xx Cyn

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