REMEMBRANCE POETRY
Today on the Somme
(Dedicated to FRANK MARSHALL RIGLEY who died aged 19 on 23.05.1916
by his Niece Valerie Canning written 2.8.2009 after a visit to his grave.)
I went on a mission to pay my respects, to an Uncle I never met
I found a generation of fine young men, who died in the cold and wet.
Row after row of cold white stones, stand stark in the landscape now
From out on the road these tombstones shout, we died but we don't
know how.
This haunting sight of grave upon grave, with name upon name carved
on
Will never ever leave my mind, so the memory will go on.
They belonged to families left behind, Mothers and Fathers who cared
Brothers and Sisters kindred and friends, all prayed that they might
be spared.
How can we tell what lives would be lived, when we killed off so much
of mankind
They rose to the cause to fight for right, and they left all their
love far behind.
These graves are tended with loving care, it's a pity we didn't see
then
Those years ago in Flanders fields, all that's left for them now is
AMEN
It's been said that they will never grow old, but why is that comfort
now
As the poppy's grow in fields of death, what a debt we owe and HOW.
My Son - My Hero
((c)Marion Latchford 2011)
Loving thoughts of you
Memories I recall
Taking me back in time
When you were very small
I remember your first word
The first time I saw you crawl
Now you stand before me as a soldier
Ready to defend us all
You are now in battle
Fighting side by side
Standing strong and courageous
Carrying our honour and pride
You pledge to serve "Queen and Country"
Until the task is done
I am now so proud
Of the man you have become
I will pray to God
To bring you home once more
We will be reunited
Together as before