Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Carols and Gas

Magpie 143




Verdon 1917, by Felix Vallatton
Photo courtesy Tess Kinkaid. Magpie Tales on Blogger


Christmas Day
Nineteen fourteen
A friendly call
From the trenches
Both sides and allies 
Wandering into no man's land
Exchanging gifts
Singing carols
A game of football
United in Christ
Boxing Day
Nineteen fourteen
Back to the trenches
Fighting a war
With mustard gas
And bullets


For my grandfather who was there and whose birthday it is today
He did aged 98 in 1981


Barbara M Lake  ©
Trinidad WI
November 2012

10 comments:

  1. Very moving poem and very timely. Your Grandfather sounds like a brave man. What a lovely tribute to his birthday.

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    1. Thank you. I think all service personnel who put their lives on the line for their countries are brave indeed. My father made a career out of it!

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  2. Very moving image and nice tribute to you grandfather.

    It honors the warriors while displaying the folly of war.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jacqui.

      Yes indeed - the unofficial 'truce' started on Christmas Eve.

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  3. For that one day, indeed. Very touching.

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  4. Your poem brings a personal view to that event ... I have read several articles and stories about that day so long ago.

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  5. An insightful and beautiful tribute to your Grandfather Bee. Always a pleasure to visit your blog.

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  6. Thank yo Helena, Helen and Carrie for taking the time to come, read and comment. Always very much appreciated.

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  7. Thank you for sharing this personal tribute ~ May all the brave men find their peace ~

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  8. 98 years old? what a blessing, a long life! this poem for your grandfather... one of the greatest gifts, i think, poetry. and well written by you... beautiful!

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