Never Forgotten

(some work recovered from a former poetry website)

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, when minds are set

and tolerance a word that's lost ,

just stand, reflect and think again.

The ones you love will bear the cost.

Author's Note

written in 2012

Reviews

[Dave]

"Take up our quarrel with the foe. To you from failing hands we throw the torch be it yours to hold on high for ye break faith with those who die we shall not rest though poppies grow in Flanders' Fields."

Thank you for having me remember, I've always loved this poem.
Take care Chris - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to be able to remind you of that much loved poem. Thank you so much Dave for your visit. All the best.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Those who have truly known war are the most fervent peacemakers.
And yet, they would take up arms, once again, if their country's freedom were genuinely threatened.
These are the kind of men and women who, willingly, laid everything on the line for us.
Sadly, all the best soldiers have joined the "underground."
Touching poem, Chris.

[Richard🖌]

Oh, Dear Chris✌

I've read this a number of times, each calling me back … now, I must review it.
Most do not know I'm a warrior, a vet -- fewer still, a natural born gentle man.
As such, the gripping power breathing within the soul of your beautifully rendered, poignantly sad paired Septets, so wondrously smooth-flowing in iambic tetrameter and seamless syntax, touch the deepest-most emotion of this poet's brimming heart.
"A field so far from English shores" … from American shores, too, as-well, the lands of all our allies so far away from home. How can millionaire sports figures "take a knee" in The Land of the Free?
I love how you've rhymed at key points, sans a particular scheme … even a couple'a inner rhymes pull us deeper into your passion's fervently compassionate moments.
Well, I know me … how when I get started on a piece that has me in its grip I could write a tome, but I'll spare you this time.

Let me conclude with a most respectfully grateful, "Thank you," and a poem you've brought to mind from a WW1 field surgeon's pen … blessings, Chris ⁓ Richard 🍃

“IN FLANDERS FIELDS
by Lt. 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.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you very much Richard for your thoughtful review and the time you spent on this brief poem. Flanders Fields is a favourite of mine too, so I especially appreciated seeing it again. All good wishes.

Chris

[Richard🖌]

You're welcome, and I thank you.
Your poem's one of the most memorably touching, Chris.

[AJNJ]

Our loved ones pay for our bloodlust and what goes around comes around. Wise is the man who avoids conflict and takes the path of peace. No place attests this more than those sad, forlorn poppy fields where the sacrificial blood of those heroes was shed. Those who cut short their breath so that we could breathe in free air. We owe it to them to remember their loss and the lessons therein. The best tribute we could give them. As always, you touch the reader with the deep emotion threaded through your words, Ms. Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you AJ. The misery inflicted by conflict is staggering. What's more there is no end to it. On it goes forever it seems. Always one part of our world falling out with a neighbour. Nasty stuff. Really appreciate your thoughts here and your visit. All the best.

Chris

[AJNJ]

Indeed and it just gets worse all the time. ....You're welcome Ms. Chris!

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Those who gave all they had. Those who died to protect us with the ultimate sacrifice. Chris, your moving tribute memorializes these fallen heroes. For heroes they are and always will be, despite the cowardly denigration coming from our leaders who have no moral compass. Your words are so important, timely and relevant. Beautifully penned with resonant reference to the poppies of Flanders Fields. Thank you for writing this. God bless them all, forever.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Annette, thank you for your encouragement. You are so right about some of our leaders today. No moral compass sums it up. We must never forget the sacrifice some have made so we have our freedom today. Take good care of yourself Annette.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Remembrance Day.
There are those who believe it is okay to attack and deface monuments to commemorate the dead and yet, it was they who gave them the ability to do so. These monuments do not celebrate war, but only serve to honour those who served in the fight.

Grampa was a veteran of the Somme and Dad a veteran of the Italian Campaign and the battle to take the Netherlands. Both long gone now.

Your poem is a fine dedication to the memory of all those gone and the few still remaining.

Well done Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ted for sharing your thoughts I have nothing but contempt for those who attack and deface memorials for our war dead. Shows total lack of compassion and respect. It was interesting to learn of your gramoa and his contribution. How proud you must be. Take care.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

I am proud of both. They were my heroes.

[Chris Shaw]

It's great that you can look up to both your Dad and grampa with such pride. Those generations really knew the meaning of service and sacrifice. Sadly, manner of our younger generation have no idea.

[.]

War brings nothing but savage.... At the cost of human life we get what..... Just a hypocritical void.... They who laid their lives wanted nothing but peace. We should remember them and their sacrifice. So lovely and painful write

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dreamer Sima, I appreciate both your thoughts and your visit.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

A beautiful poem! It's such a nice and thankful poem, remembering sacrifices like those. I love it, a truly wonderful piece of art.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Colacat. I really appreciate your reviews. All good wishes.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

My pleasure (:

[butterfly]

An honorable poem for the ones who made the sacrifice indeed they are never forgotten. Beautiful work Chris!!

[Chris Shaw]

Another thoughtful review butterfly, thank you so much.

Chris