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 among 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.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army
Written in the spring of 1915 at Ypres.
To all around the world who have fought and are fighting for the cause of freedom (real freedom--where all of us are able to think what we like, and be agreed with, disputed, or, yes, even ridiculed, but not tortured or killed), for that my undying and heartfelt gratitude.
Thank you,
Alan.
