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Lest We Forget

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Answering their country's call, young lads now stood as men
to fight with pride and honour, their country to defend

Never to return the same, as love still bleeding lies
beneath those many cross's under foreign skies

Zealous in their spirit and the comradeship they formed
yet pain and fate, searing hate, as one by one were torn

Amidst the gruelling hardship, strong characters were framed

but with soul both bruised and sickened, scars of war remain

 

Conviction flamed their strength to fight, for right and liberty

service to their country, a courageous, sacrificial bloody deed

 

Shadows fall as memory taunts, replays within their mind

but freedom won for you and I, keeps their heads held high

 

 

                        Many heads will bow today

                        Silent tears will fall

                        Eternal honour given

                        For those who gave their all

                        Defenders of our liberty

                        Within our hearts stand tall

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author notes

Acrostic poem.

ANZAC : Australian and New Zealand Army Corps

Anzac Day - was officially named on April 25th 1916 in commemoration of the 60,000 Australians and 18,000 New Zealand soldiers who died in World War 1

 A National day of Remembrance, is marked by a dawn service, a symbolic link to the dawn landing at Gallipoli.

 In subsequent years the meaning of Anzac Day has been expanded to include Australians killed in ALL Australian Military Operations.

 Significance of the Red Poppy

"Association of the red poppy - the Flanders poppy - with battlefield deaths as a natural symbol of resurrection and remembrance dates back to the Napoleonic Wars when poppies were the first plant to grow in the churned up soil of soldiers graves in the area of Flanders." 

(Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association)

 Verses written by John Mc Crae  on Dec 8th 1915 "In Flanders Field"

and a response written by Miss Moina Michael in 1918 entitled "We Shall Keep The Faith" are well worth reading.

Miss Moina Michael also originated the idea of the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance.

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Comments

1 - 15 of 15

  • Joe C
    June 13
    Edit | Reply
    excellent!


  • Howard Manser gold member
    June 7

    Edit | Reply

    Touching

    The should always be remembered and honored by all. Howard


  • camo.egg.army.gurl
    May 20
    Edit | Reply
    wow..truly beautiful... a tribute to both the fallen and the men left behind..


  • Legend silver member
    May 3

    Edit | Reply
    A wonderful Acrostic followed by a beautiful little piece Each summing up a fine tribute to those who fell,A real joy to read Excellent Good luck in the contest


  • Mariana gold member
    April 29

    Edit | Reply
    'Zealous in their spirit and the comradeship they formed
    yet pain and fate, searing hate, as one by one were torn
    Amidst the gruelling hardship, strong characters were framed
    but with soul both bruised and sickened, scars of war remain'

    This is a powerful write. Bravo!

    Mariana  


  • Di Shirley
    April 27

    Edit | Reply
    This was beautiful and truely deserved a place in the top three. I dont know what the judges where thinking. As far as I am concerned you are in my favourites for good. Di Shirley


  • just mercedes gold member
    April 27

    Edit | Reply
    I love this for the proud, strong poem it is.

    Beautifully written acrostic, but the little six-line coda finished the poem like the Last Post at the ceremonies.

    Thank you for writing this, and for illustrating with your AN's some more of the background to the legend of the Anzacs.


  • Patpowers silver member
    April 25
    Edit | Reply
    Great tribute Jesaan. Thank you!


  • Beret55 silver member
    April 20

    Edit | Reply
    "In Flanders Field the Poppys grow" one od my fav poems. A great tribute to the fighting man.
    I loved your poem..


  • Ken-Maverick
    April 19

    Edit | Reply
    What wonderful tribute to our men in uniform
    past and present they will always be remembered,
    "Les we forget"
    All the best to you in the contest

    Ken


  • rbruce gold member
    April 19

    Edit | Reply
    A great write with strong words showing Australians will not forget their servicemen and women who fought and died in all conflicts.


  • arafura gold member
    April 19

    Edit | Reply
    Very strong work. You have expressed the feeling of Anzac Day very well. Good luck in the contest.


  • Puppydog gold member
    April 19

    Edit | Reply

    DEEPLY TOUCHING!!!!!

    Your words do all of our military world wide a beautiful justice s All countries have suffered with their men and women serving to protect not only ourselves but ordinary people all over the world. 's


  • Sunshine Always
    April 19

    Edit | Reply
    We all have so much to thank each and everyone of them for "J", Your poem is a wonderful tribute to them and something we should never forget my friend. God bless them all...... mal


  • thepoetssoul
    April 19

    Edit | Reply
    Thank you so much for writing such a beautiful piece of poetry.The rhythm and rhyme is top shelf and drips from the tongue like warm butter.You put your heart and spirit into this piece and it shines in brillianceAnd thank you for the little bit of history that came with your poem.
    Be blessed in all you ever do sweet soul.

    Tony

1 - 15 of 15