They stand stark in tropical sunlight
But a glow comes from every one
They mark the final resting place
Of fathers, brothers, sons.
They fought as only heroes fight
For their country and their King
No one knew the dangers they'd face
Nor the heartbreak those battles would bring.
They came from ordinary families
From countries some near, some far
They were fighting for our birthright
To remain as free as we are
The lie of the land was uncharted
Thick jungle, steep hills everywhere
They didn't know where the enemy was
The first shots showed they were there
Some died where they stood, unknowing,
Some infected died slower with pain
Some were patched up quite quickly
And sent in to battle again.
All the Hospitals down at Port Moresby
Did miracles with those in their care
And those Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels
Retreived wounded as fast as they dare.
From the mud and slush in the jungle
With the murderous tropical heat
They manually carried the wounded out
That was a truly amazing feat.
Now all that is left are the memories
Of those who fought there and died
So spare a thought for their loved ones
An ocean of tears they have cried.
The markers still stand in the sunlight
Each one naming some mother's son
It must be time to stop fighting
All battles will never be won.
Author notes
The Bomana War Cemetey is in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The kokoda Trail Campaign which is the subject of this poem was a turning point in World War 2. From that time on the Japanese were in retreat. Many great battles were fought before the war ended in 1945, throughout the islands and countries of the south east asia region.
A contest entry
- Lest We Forget by Cupcrazy.
1750 points, ended November 23, 2008, 17 entries
Honorable winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments please
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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A wonderful piece honouring all those who gave their lives, they will not be forgotten. Excellent flow and rhythm with nice rhyme and very touching emotion. Thanks so much for the great entry, I enjoyed it immensely. Hugs, Bunny
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I wrote this for Remembrance Day. Wars are so cruel to the innocent civilians as well as the opposing forces taking part. Most personell were not there by choice on either side and nothing was achieved by the war. We must never forget those who gave their lives, so that we may live in security. I appreciate your comments, they help to keep me writing.
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Thans for sharing this with us mate. Excellent work!
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Thank you sir. With remembrance day not far away I thought it time to do my own remembering. I have a personal attachment to PNG dating from 1943.
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Bob
I heard of Port Moresby but am not sure which war or which jungle. I am guessing Burma. But great write on that history and those gallant men .
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Hi Bob. World War 2, Papua New Guinea and the Kokoda Trail Campaign. The soldiers were Australian Militia, partly trained, very little support, no air cover because of the wild terrain, and shocking terrain. I went up the Trail as far as Goldie River; I went no further as the hills are so steep you must walk on an angle to the slope to walk at all. It's unbelievable. I thank you, my friend, your comments are always welcome.
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THE BEST
Hate to say this, Bob, but this piece has me with tears in my eyes. This was so beautifully put across. I have read much about the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels and the tremendous work they did in those years back then. They risked so much to help against the Japanese in a time of strife. Black Diamond was one such story i heard. Now that i have dried my tears, i can say truthfully that this piece of writing really deserves full marks for its brilliant depiction of what these men went through, and how they gave their all for our safety and the lives we live now. Your last two lines really sum up the madness of war. People die and the cycle just keeps going around. Excellent work and thank you for your lovely dedication to these lovely souls.
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I thank you for your lovely comments. I have not yet edited this poem and have not yet put up the photo that goes with it. Sometime tomorrow I hope to do both.
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