Still fields of scarlet poppies blow
on long abandoned battle fields.
The bones of dead men hid below
will feed their roots increasing yields.
The few survivors are now all dead.
Rejoined the comrades that they knew.
So we remember in their stead.
The many who salute the few.
Now Patch is dead he was the last
veteran who survived the war
A living relic from the past
who lived a hundred years and more.
There�s no one left who can recall
the muddy trenches and the gas.
The pain of seeing comrades fall.
He watched the long years slowly pass.
He never sought publicity.
He was a very private man
but became a celebrity
The last surviving veteran.
Each year the scarlet poppies grow
On Flanders Fields abundantly
The countless dead who lie below
Have earned their place in history.
By foolish useless sacrifice
They gave their lives to end all war
I think they paid to high a price.
The world is as it was before.
Men are still killing other men
but now much more efficiently
Each year we fail to learn again
the lessons taught by history.
There are no winners in a war.
There never was nor will there be.
But men will fight for evermore.
It�s human nature seemingly.
So true, history keeps on repeating, man never learns from it and never feels ashamed of it. As usual, you are on the highest poetic pedestal with an eloquent conclusion, There are no winners in a war. There never was nor will there be. But men will fight for evermore. It’s human nature seemingly. CP
I absolutely LOVED this poem! What an beautiful tribute to Veterans, and indeed a sad reminder of how humans perpetuate the ugliness of war! You are absolutely correct in that 'there are no winners'. Great lyrical flow (my favourite style of poetry) . Your words are clear and concise and one doesn't have to guess at the meaning of your poem. Awesome write! !
It is a shame that we won't quite killing each other.... I loved the poetry.
Brilliant piece. Try 'Poppies' when you've a few spare seconds.
This is great piece of work, Ivor. It's a lovely poem to read; especially the last verse, I really like it.
This is a very powerful piece, it really hurt me deep inside. A lover of peace and a veteran of war it seems we all have become. Its the people that pay for the heartlessness of governments. History keeps repeating time and time again. Every soldier is a hero I will read this many times, thank you very much Michael
A noble elegy of homage and regret. It calls to my mind Wilfred Owen's question, 'Was it for this the clay grew tall? '
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Men are still killing other men but now much more efficiently Each year we fail to learn again the lessons taught by history. There are no winners in a war. There never was nor will there be. But men will fight for evermore. It’s human nature seemingly. --------- couldn't say more for you have explained in details...great thoughts and wisdom here...well rhyme verses...Thanks! ! ! 10+++++++++