Matt Monro Forum

DREAMERS


Soldiers are citizens of death's gray land,
Drawing no dividend from time's tomorrows.
In the great hour of destiny they stand,
Each with his fueds and jealousies and sorrows.
Soldiers are sworn to action; they must win
Some flaming fatal climax with their lives.
Soldiers are dreamers; when the guns begin
They think of firelit homes, clean beds, and wives.

I see them in foul dug-outs, gnawed by rats,
And in the ruined trenches, lashed with rain,
Dreaming of things they did with ba-lls and bats,
And mocked by hopeless longing to regain
Bank-holidays, and picture-shows, and spats,
And going to the office in the train.


Siegfried Sassoon 1917

A timely and appropriate posting Keith. I'm watching the BBC coverage of the Service of Commemoration with 3 amazing veterans. Some incredibly moving stories of bravery, patriotism and heroism. God bless them all.

Yes Michael, those were men of astounding valour,
however there is some validity in the charge that they
were lions led by donkeys:

THE GENERAL


'Good-morning; Good-morning!' the General said
When we met him last week on our way to the Line.
Now the soldiers he smiled at are most of 'em dead,
And we're cursing his staff for incompetent swine.
'He's a cheery old card.' grunted Harry to Jack
As they slogged up to Arras with rifle and pack.

But he did for them both by his plan of attack.


Siegfried Sassoon


PS It's gratifying to see younger forum members
like yourself, Gray, Catherine and Mark et al taking
an empathetic interest in what many young and not-so-young
folk consider to be unremarkable ancient history.
Keith

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear..
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the
Press. It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of
Speech. It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's the Military who salutes
The flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is covered by
The flag.

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for
The Military, please pass this on and pray for our men and women who have
Served and are currently serving our country and pray for those who
Have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Wise words from there from Keith and Marian - or at least relayed by you both! I've always had a sense of duty Keith - I was in the Air Cadets as a teenager and used to go Remembrance Day parades regularly. I met some fascinating people then with some harrowing stories to tell, but I think I appreciate their heroism even more now. As your poems clearly indicate, it was the ordinary foot soldier who faced slaughter along with the young officers so keen to do battle for their country.

Of course, with my partner being a member of the Armed Forces, I have a continuing interest in Remembrance Day. I'm not convinced that those in power have any greater idea of what they are doing with regards to Foreign Policy than those of 90 years ago. And it is still those merely following their orders that are dying.

It was very moving today to see those three old soldiers today laying their wreaths at the Cenotaph Mike.
What memories must have been going through their minds, especially Harry Patch, who was actually there at the front where so many of his comrades fell.
We actually stood and observed the two minutes silence in the aisles of Sainsbury's, along with all the shoppers and staff there.
Marian.

The crowd at the Cenotaph gave those 3 wonderful old soldiers a good round of applause when they were passing them after the ceremony

I loved the poem "The Final Inspection" I have never heard that one before--I know George would have loved it.

We were in the middle of a committee meeting, and switched the tv on at 5 to 11.

I think it is incredibly moving still to join in this silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month! Those 3 old soldiers really touched my heart--what they have been through--the tales they have to tell--yet who knows if any of them will be with us for another Remembrance Day.

Some very poignant and moving poems, and we also hadn't heard "The Final Inspection before," but one of the most moving moments for me yesterday at the Cenotaph was that the wish and intention of the oldest soldier of the Three, Henry Allingham 112yrs was to stand and lay his wreath himself to all his fallen comrades, but after a few minutes and with help around him he was unable to do this, but nevertheless a very proud moment for him.
Three wonderful Gentlemen, and what memories they have.

Did any of you see or attend the memorial services for Harry Patch earlier this week? I didn't see any coverage in the US. Jo Whiley said he was the last remaining veteran from World War I. Is that correct; did the other two gentleman pass away in the last few months? I will always remember that moving ceremony last Remembrance Day.

We diddn't attend the funerals or memorial services of these Two remarkable veterans Paul, but we wre also moved by the services, and these Two hero's deserved all the praise and honour that was bestowd upon them. What stories we have heard from these Two brave men who survived these dreadful wars.
The third surviving soldier died a little while back but Henry Allingham and Harry Patch died withing one week of each other.

We just watched excerpts from the services for these grand old gentlemen on the news items and found them very moving, especially the messages of condolence from the young soldiers of today who will never forget, and continue to carry the torch into the future.
Marian

Did other members catch Andrew Motion reading
A Poem for Harry Patch on BBC 2 on Thursday?
It was heartwarming stuff and wonderfully written,
considering it was a commissioned work. Sometimes
only poetry can fully capture and reflect an emotional
occasion.
Keith

I had not realised this programme was on, or I would have watched-but 2 of my friends watched, and they both said it was very emotional, and Andrew Motion's poem ws brilliant.

Just saw the reading to Harry Patch from Andrew.
Yes, very moving.