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
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
Very moving poem and very timely. Your Grandfather sounds like a brave man. What a lovely tribute to his birthday.
ReplyDeleteThank 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!
DeleteVery moving image and nice tribute to you grandfather.
ReplyDeleteIt honors the warriors while displaying the folly of war.
Thanks Jacqui.
DeleteYes indeed - the unofficial 'truce' started on Christmas Eve.
For that one day, indeed. Very touching.
ReplyDeleteYour poem brings a personal view to that event ... I have read several articles and stories about that day so long ago.
ReplyDeleteAn insightful and beautiful tribute to your Grandfather Bee. Always a pleasure to visit your blog.
ReplyDeleteThank yo Helena, Helen and Carrie for taking the time to come, read and comment. Always very much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this personal tribute ~ May all the brave men find their peace ~
ReplyDelete98 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!
ReplyDelete