City - saskatoon State - SASKATCHEWAN Country - Canada
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Many people, forgetting the third stanza altogether, think of John McRae's classic "In Flanders Fields" as a statement about the futility of war. And perhaps in part it is. But there is more. I have reproduced the whole of it here, for those of us who have forgotten.
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.
I have that poem to heart. Also, "Death of the Ball Turret Gunner" by R. Jarrett. And of course, "I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and touched the face of God..." Man, ya just set me off on poetry and Lit.... and I am supposed to be a History teach... I do so love poetry and lit. Great shot and great thoughts stirred up. JIL
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{K:31693} 11/6/2004