Homework November - Graves of the Fallen

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Catherine Lee
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Homework November - Graves of the Fallen

Post by Catherine Lee » Wed Nov 11, 2020 1:05 pm

Well, this is definitely old! The original version was written during a Contiki Tour to Europe in 1980 when I was just twenty years old. We went to the graveyard at Monte Cassino, Italy, so 'The Graves of Monte Cassino' was the original title of the poem until I changed it to encompass all.

It has been tweaked several times over the years, and in one of its versions was awarded a VHC back in 2003....I have sometimes looked at it for possible further changes, but I just continue to be fond of its simple message, because it's a true story and still clearly evokes for me the strong feeling I experienced when I stood there looking at that tiny white cross...an unforgettable emotion that, after all, is what Remembrance Day is all about.

Graves of the Fallen


I wandered through the graveyard of the men we’d lost to war,
reflecting on the tragic waste and what had gone before.
The chilling touch of death crept leaden, sighing through the air;
surrounding me for miles around were tombstones, everywhere.

I strolled unhurried, reading names of those I’d never met—
perceived the wretched hopelessness of our eternal debt.
For all these men had families or sweethearts, children too,
yet bravely marched to war to fight for everything they knew,

protect us from a tyranny that we could not conceive,
maintain the precious freedom in which all of us believe.
The rain began to gently fall as I meandered there—
with not another soul around, still silence filled the air.

Yet in my mind their voices seemed to fill my listening ears—
their suffering and horror, friendly banter, anguished tears.
Then as I neared the exit gate, the impact of their loss
subdued and overwhelmed me when I found that single cross.

A tiny, unassuming thing—no name carved on its face,
yet poignantly it seemed to me to dominate that place.
A white plaque stood beside it. I could not see what it said,
so knelt to gain a closer look, discover who lay dead.

An unknown soldier rested in the ground beneath my feet,
and none would ever know whose life had ended incomplete.
A message was inscribed upon the stone where this man slept—
a plea from all those troops it seemed—I shivered, read and wept…

‘In future years when coming here, remember us this way—
For each of your tomorrows, we have given our today.’
I cried for him, this nameless friend who’d truly given all,
while deep inside I grieved for those who’d answered fate’s grim call.

I prayed for every soul who’d paid this ultimate high price,
“God bless and keep them always in their hard-earned paradise;
such countless numbers brave and true—we can’t know all their names—
their memory must live and burn with everlasting flames.”

© Catherine Lee, circa 1980

Terry
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Re: Homework November - Graves of the Fallen

Post by Terry » Wed Nov 11, 2020 2:36 pm

Hi Catherine

Another lovely poem, you had me walking through that graveyard with you.
It might have been 17 years ago when you first started on this poem,
but you still had special something in your words back then as well.
Terrific ending to the poem too, well worth another go at the comps in my opinion,
it ticks all the boxes for me.

Regards

Terry

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Gary Harding
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Re: Homework November - Graves of the Fallen

Post by Gary Harding » Thu Nov 12, 2020 4:53 pm

Catherine... I think it is remarkable that you were writing with such deep sensitivity, perception and passion at just 20 years old. Amazing.
As I have said, poems tend to reflect their author's character and close observation of lines tells a story.... i.e. what the writer is like in real life. So look out Catherine!! haha

I find it impossible to offer any useful comment on Remembrance or War-themed poetry though.

Just cannot do it... and yet I have a house full of military books. Unfortunately, war-related poetry in general is just not something I can come to terms with to the degree of being able to say much that is sensible, so I will not even try. ha

It was clearly an emotional experience for you being there at Monte Cassino - the location of a major battle - especially being so young.

I was also on a Contiki bus tour in 1980. Going around NZ with a friend of mine; I was his best man later on. Maybe I brought him luck. :) I recall we flew into Christchurch and toured both islands but I cannot remember actually crossing Cook Strait. (I didn't know NZ beer was that strong!)

Anyway I won't say more.. but again, Good Writing .. (as usual)

It is always a pleasure to read your poems at any time, anywhere... and I honestly look forward to your next one... a rollicking bush ballad perhaps?

Gary

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Shelley Hansen
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Re: Homework November - Graves of the Fallen

Post by Shelley Hansen » Thu Nov 12, 2020 7:09 pm

Very thought-provoking, Catherine, and as Gary says, amazing maturity of writing at such a young age. No wonder you are such a formidable talent after all those years honing your early skills! :)
Shelley Hansen
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fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
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Maureen K Clifford
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Re: Homework November - Graves of the Fallen

Post by Maureen K Clifford » Fri Nov 13, 2020 8:09 am

A lovely write Catherine and I can well imagine it being a continuing favourite - it says it all IMO
Check out The Scribbly Bark Poets blog site here -
http://scribblybarkpoetry.blogspot.com.au/


I may not always succeed in making a difference, but I will go to my grave knowing I at least tried.

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Catherine Lee
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Re: Homework November - Graves of the Fallen

Post by Catherine Lee » Mon Nov 16, 2020 6:43 pm

Thank you all so much – I am quite blown away by these lovely comments.

Terry, you are very kind and a huge encouragement - I’m so glad you walked there with me, as that is all I can ask….(Plus I will take your mention of ’17 years’ as a massive compliment!!)

Gary, I do understand what you’re saying about war-themed poetry. I have actually written several over the years, and yet of course I was not there so this never ceases to amaze me. However, as well as hearing stories of some who were, I think the impact of this visit to Monte Cassino probably started me off… Yes, you clearly brought your friend some luck on that Tour of NZ (!) and I do hope you enjoyed the whole experience (yes, the beer can indeed be very strong!) Thanks again - at the moment I’ve been waiting for the elusive Muse and she’s being very stubborn, but I really do appreciate your enthusiastic response.

Shelley and Maureen, the same goes for you – you are so very kind. I don’t put that many poems on Facebook, but as you know, I did put this one up for Remembrance Day and greatly appreciated your comments there also. I was quite honestly overwhelmed by the positive response from so many people, so in the end I was very happy I did, because some were deeply affected and wrote to thank me. It seems like such a simple poem, but I'm glad you agree with me, Maureen, that it seems to say it all

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