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Among the fields where poppies swayed Beyond the guns and smoke, The soldiers rested wearily, Their silence barely broke. Boots lay scattered on the grass, Rifles stacked nearby. Some men stared across the hills, Some watched the drifting sky. Then softly through the quiet air A trumpet’s voice arose. Bright notes dancing on the wind Across the brief repose. Young Tom stood tall upon the rise, Trumpet pressed to lips. A Highland lad in tartan worn, With music at his fingertips. The tune he played was full of life, Of home and brighter days. Of crowded pubs and harvest fields, And childhood’s simple ways. The soldiers slowly turned to hear The melody unfold. And hardened men who feared no guns Felt memories take hold. One saw his mother’s kitchen fire, Warm bread upon the board. Another heard his children laugh Beyond the cottage door. One pictured pints in crowded inns, A pipe’s sweet curling haze. Another saw his sweetheart smile From happier younger days. Tears ran silent down worn cheeks, Cutting through the grime. For just a moment war released Its grip on them through time. “Play another tune, young Tom!” A weary sergeant cried. And laughter rose among the men Where sorrow used to hide. Young Tom obliged with smiling eyes And raised the trumpet high. Another joyful song took flight Beneath the open sky. The notes rolled out across the hills Like sunlight after rain. And every heart beat stronger there Despite the grief and pain. Then suddenly the music changed. A sharp and urgent sound. The call that every soldier knew Rang hard across the ground. Officers shouted through the camp, “Stand to! Back to line!” The brief sweet peace was swept away By duty’s hand and time. The trumpet now cried out for war, Its voice both proud and grim. No longer songs of home and hope, But battle’s marching hymn. In rows of three the soldiers formed, With rifles held in hand. And following Tom’s steady call, They marched toward no man’s land. The poppies bent beneath their boots, The sky grew dark once more. Yet still the trumpet led them on Toward thunder, smoke, and war. Its final notes rang clear and brave Above the guns’ wild roar. Then somewhere near the shattered line The trumpet played no more. Silence fell upon the fields As evening cloaked the slain. And where young Tom had proudly stood, Only echoes still remained. But some men swore in later years, When night winds crossed the plain, They heard a distant trumpet call Through poppies after rain. A final tune for fallen souls, For brothers lost in flame. And every note still carried softly The memory of Tom Browns name.
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3d ago
May 31, 2026 at 3:47 AM UTC
The Trumpeter’s Final Call
Among the fields where poppies swayed Beyond the guns and smoke, The soldiers rested wearily, Their silence barely broke. Boots lay scattered on the grass, Rifles stacked nearby. Some men stared across the hills, Some watched the drifting sky. Then softly through the quiet air A trumpet’s voice arose. Bright notes dancing on the wind Across the brief repose. Young Tom stood tall upon the rise, Trumpet pressed to lips. A Highland lad in tartan worn, With music at his fingertips. The tune he played was full of life, Of home and brighter days. Of crowded pubs and harvest fields, And childhood’s simple ways. The soldiers slowly turned to hear The melody unfold. And hardened men who feared no guns Felt memories take hold. One saw his mother’s kitchen fire, Warm bread upon the board. Another heard his children laugh Beyond the cottage door. One pictured pints in crowded inns, A pipe’s sweet curling haze. Another saw his sweetheart smile From happier younger days. Tears ran silent down worn cheeks, Cutting through the grime. For just a moment war released Its grip on them through time. “Play another tune, young Tom!” A weary sergeant cried. And laughter rose among the men Where sorrow used to hide. Young Tom obliged with smiling eyes And raised the trumpet high. Another joyful song took flight Beneath the open sky. The notes rolled out across the hills Like sunlight after rain. And every heart beat stronger there Despite the grief and pain. Then suddenly the music changed. A sharp and urgent sound. The call that every soldier knew Rang hard across the ground. Officers shouted through the camp, “Stand to! Back to line!” The brief sweet peace was swept away By duty’s hand and time. The trumpet now cried out for war, Its voice both proud and grim. No longer songs of home and hope, But battle’s marching hymn. In rows of three the soldiers formed, With rifles held in hand. And following Tom’s steady call, They marched toward no man’s land. The poppies bent beneath their boots, The sky grew dark once more. Yet still the trumpet led them on Toward thunder, smoke, and war. Its final notes rang clear and brave Above the guns’ wild roar. Then somewhere near the shattered line The trumpet played no more. Silence fell upon the fields As evening cloaked the slain. And where young Tom had proudly stood, Only echoes still remained. But some men swore in later years, When night winds crossed the plain, They heard a distant trumpet call Through poppies after rain. A final tune for fallen souls, For brothers lost in flame. And every note still carried softly The memory of Tom Browns name.
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84
*** She watched the soldiers disappear Beyond the smoke and rain, Their shadows fading through the mist Across the shattered plain. No trumpet sang, no banners waved, No glory filled the air. Only weary men with haunted eyes Marching toward despair. When silence settled on the field, She slowly walked ahead. To where the soldiers once had stood Among the torn and dead. The earth was churned by mud and blood, By boots and shellfire’s flame. And scattered there like fallen leaves Forgotten letters lay. She knelt among the poppies red, Her trembling fingers cold, And lifted pages soaked by rain, Still carrying words of home. One letter spoke of mother’s bread, Still warm upon the tray. A father waiting by the fire At ending of the day. Another told of sweetheart’s eyes, And promises once made. Of dancing halls and wedding rings Beyond the war’s dark shade. One spoke of brothers left behind, Of sisters growing tall. Of Christmas bells and childhood games Beside an old stone wall. Each page she read held hope and love, Simple dreams so small. Yet every word became a ghost Across that broken sprawl. Tears slowly traced her weary face As twilight dimmed the sky. For every letter seemed to breathe With lives that did not die. Then nearby in the muddy earth, Half-hidden by the rain, She saw a fallen soldier there, Still silent where he lay. His hand still grasped a final page, Its writing left undone. The ink had blurred beneath the storm, The sentence never done. She gently knelt beside the boy, No older than her years. And carefully she took the page While fighting back her tears. “My darling Mum…” the letter read, Then suddenly it ceased. The final words forever lost In war’s unholy grief. She bowed her head beside the dead, The wind so cold and still. Around them scarlet poppies swayed Across the shattered hill. Then softly through the falling dusk She whispered low and true, “I promise I will send this home. I will remember you.” “I’ll tell them how you fought with courage, How you carried hope through pain. How even here, beneath this hell, Your heart stayed kind through rain.” The soldiers marched far out of sight, The guns began once more. But she remained among the letters Scattered by the war. Gathering every fragile page Like treasures from the dead, To carry home their final words And all the tears they bled. For though the war would take their lives, And silence many stories, One soul remained to speak their names And guard their memories.
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4d ago
May 30, 2026 at 3:47 AM UTC
The Letters Left Behind
*** She watched the soldiers disappear Beyond the smoke and rain, Their shadows fading through the mist Across the shattered plain. No trumpet sang, no banners waved, No glory filled the air. Only weary men with haunted eyes Marching toward despair. When silence settled on the field, She slowly walked ahead. To where the soldiers once had stood Among the torn and dead. The earth was churned by mud and blood, By boots and shellfire’s flame. And scattered there like fallen leaves Forgotten letters lay. She knelt among the poppies red, Her trembling fingers cold, And lifted pages soaked by rain, Still carrying words of home. One letter spoke of mother’s bread, Still warm upon the tray. A father waiting by the fire At ending of the day. Another told of sweetheart’s eyes, And promises once made. Of dancing halls and wedding rings Beyond the war’s dark shade. One spoke of brothers left behind, Of sisters growing tall. Of Christmas bells and childhood games Beside an old stone wall. Each page she read held hope and love, Simple dreams so small. Yet every word became a ghost Across that broken sprawl. Tears slowly traced her weary face As twilight dimmed the sky. For every letter seemed to breathe With lives that did not die. Then nearby in the muddy earth, Half-hidden by the rain, She saw a fallen soldier there, Still silent where he lay. His hand still grasped a final page, Its writing left undone. The ink had blurred beneath the storm, The sentence never done. She gently knelt beside the boy, No older than her years. And carefully she took the page While fighting back her tears. “My darling Mum…” the letter read, Then suddenly it ceased. The final words forever lost In war’s unholy grief. She bowed her head beside the dead, The wind so cold and still. Around them scarlet poppies swayed Across the shattered hill. Then softly through the falling dusk She whispered low and true, “I promise I will send this home. I will remember you.” “I’ll tell them how you fought with courage, How you carried hope through pain. How even here, beneath this hell, Your heart stayed kind through rain.” The soldiers marched far out of sight, The guns began once more. But she remained among the letters Scattered by the war. Gathering every fragile page Like treasures from the dead, To carry home their final words And all the tears they bled. For though the war would take their lives, And silence many stories, One soul remained to speak their names And guard their memories.
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81
Knights of the Midnight Sky A Lancaster’s roar shadows drift through poppy fields, old ghosts in the sun. Wings bear the weight of stories carried home on trembling air. Clouds tremble overhead, searchlights claw the midnight veil, embers stain the dawn. Young voices fade with the engines, yet their hearts still take flight. By Paul Baldry (LongJohn) https://www.facebook.com/me/
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May 21
May 21, 2026 at 7:04 AM UTC
Lancaster Flights (Rewritten)
“15000 Miles Between Heartbeats” *** You missed my ship— I shout into the distance, half anger, half ache. I’m already on my way, and you don’t even know it. The horn fades into a thinning shore, and I carry myself fifteen hundred miles toward something I cannot yet name. Tomorrow— war. Battles waiting just beyond sleep. Silence stretches wide, too wide for men meant to fill it. My thoughts drift— home, where hearts sit warm and untouched. But here we stand, shoulder to shoulder, steady… or pretending to be. Night breaks open— fire in the sky, thunder tearing through bone. Fear climbs quietly, finding every gap we try to seal. Bravery— a mask we wear well. Because the truth? The horror is loud, sharp, unforgettable. Then morning comes— as if nothing happened. The storm loosens its grip, and the sea remembers how to breathe again. Laughter returns, fragile at first, like it’s asking permission. Still— fifteen thousand miles from home, and somehow love reaches us. I sail back— toward familiar shores, toward names I know. But something stays behind. Grief travels with me, quiet, unpacked. Too many do not return. Their journey ends where ours continues. And maybe— that is their peace. Rows of coffins. Flags draped low. A bugle cries soft enough to break you. And the questions— they don’t leave. What did they give? What did they lose? And who decides what it was worth? I still ask that question— Old photos in my hands, faces that never made it home. And still… I ask—why?
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Apr 24
Apr 24, 2026 at 5:09 AM UTC
Away From Home
“15000 Miles Between Heartbeats” *** You missed my ship— I shout into the distance, half anger, half ache. I’m already on my way, and you don’t even know it. The horn fades into a thinning shore, and I carry myself fifteen hundred miles toward something I cannot yet name. Tomorrow— war. Battles waiting just beyond sleep. Silence stretches wide, too wide for men meant to fill it. My thoughts drift— home, where hearts sit warm and untouched. But here we stand, shoulder to shoulder, steady… or pretending to be. Night breaks open— fire in the sky, thunder tearing through bone. Fear climbs quietly, finding every gap we try to seal. Bravery— a mask we wear well. Because the truth? The horror is loud, sharp, unforgettable. Then morning comes— as if nothing happened. The storm loosens its grip, and the sea remembers how to breathe again. Laughter returns, fragile at first, like it’s asking permission. Still— fifteen thousand miles from home, and somehow love reaches us. I sail back— toward familiar shores, toward names I know. But something stays behind. Grief travels with me, quiet, unpacked. Too many do not return. Their journey ends where ours continues. And maybe— that is their peace. Rows of coffins. Flags draped low. A bugle cries soft enough to break you. And the questions— they don’t leave. What did they give? What did they lose? And who decides what it was worth? I still ask that question— Old photos in my hands, faces that never made it home. And still… I ask—why?
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81
“Where Whispers Remain” *** Listen— it was quiet before it wasn’t. And then— they were gone. We kept moving. Not because it was easy. Because we had to. Carrying what was left of them within us. Names blur. Places fade. But something stays. A voice. A weight. Whispers in the silence. We didn’t always stop to grieve. War doesn’t wait for tears. Listen— They’re there now, if you let them come. Hear them— We fell. Together. Earth beneath us, sky above us, silence between us. Others came. Lifted us. Cried for us. Carried the story we couldn’t finish. We are not gone. Not really. We live in the remembering. In the quiet moments. In you. Stand. Even if your voice shakes. Even if your eyes won’t stay dry. Stand. Because every dawn still asks something of you. And every memory answers. That’s where we remain. Until we crumble into the dust of history.
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Apr 23
Apr 23, 2026 at 9:43 AM UTC
A Ballad of Valour
Blue Bird Over Britain *** Ninety summers on— still the silver wings endure in memory’s sky. From quiet fields they first rose, guardians of a nation’s breath. Warm July trembles, distant engines thread the air over England’s green. History gathers in clouds where fire will write its name. They came in dark waves— shadows crossing shining coasts toward a waiting land. Sirens stitched through every town, hearts held beneath open sky. Spitfires climbing— sleek arcs of defiant grace cut through the blue vast. Hurricanes beside them turned fear into a fighting chance. Young hands-on cold steel, eyes set beyond fear’s whisper, they rose into storm. Courage burned in narrow skies where seconds measured a life. Dogfights wheel and break— white trails torn by tracer lines, engines cry and fall. The heavens become a forge where freedom is hammered bright. Below, Britain waits— in doorways, fields, and stations, listening for wings. Every distant hum returning carries a fragile hope home. “The Few” still whisper— through ninety years of clear air, through silence and peace. Their light remains in the sky, unfading as summer clouds. Time turns, yet they fly— not in war, but memory’s arc above grateful lands. Spitfires still hold the line where history meets the sky. Look to the skies now— see the Blue Bird trace the light through quiet blue air. Not for war, but memory, a living portrait of the Few. By Paul Baldry (LongJohn)
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Apr 10
Apr 10, 2026 at 2:52 AM UTC
Spitfire at Ninety Wings of the Few
At the Light of Each Day At the light of day, awake and arise, Yet amidst the rush, heed my gentle advice. Take a moment to pause, remember with grace, The eleventh hour, a solemn space. On the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Honouring those who faced the crest and the front. Their sacrifice, a gift profound, A legacy of freedom, courage unbound. At the light of each day, a life given by many, To grant you freedom, a gift plenty. So, in each morning's gentle ray, Pause, remember, and silently say… "We will remember them," in heartfelt accord, Their bravery, their spirit, forever stored. At the light of each day, let us never forget, The heroes who gave all, with no regret.
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Mar 8
Mar 8, 2026 at 4:29 AM UTC
At the Light of Each Day
*** WHISPERS IN THE GRAIN Silent fields murmur stories etched in weathered earth footsteps linger still their shadows dance with the rain echoes of the brave remain *** ENDURING LIGHT Lost hearts softly breathe woven through the quiet night strength in stillness glows a flicker that will not fade guiding us through darkest hours *** LEGACY UNBROKEN Storms have tested them yet they rose with steady grace honour shining bright memories time cannot dim their legacy standing firm *** SACRED NAMES Courage blooms in grief where the brave once laid their claim sorrow turns to vow in remembrance we hold them renewing each sacred name *** STARS OVER THE DEEP Bright stars overhead shadows dance on restless waves sailors drift through fate dreams carried like whispered foam lost yet longing for the dawn
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Mar 6
Mar 6, 2026 at 3:19 AM UTC
Tanka Poems of Courage & Remembrance
Tears Without Guilt In the stillness of that fateful day, heroes were called away. We flinched, but marched on, feeling the void… where they lay. Their presence lives on, it seems, nestled within hearts they've known. Listen closely— to their whispers lingering, even when the world feels alone. Stand tall, without guilt; allow your tears to flow. For their love in you has grown, and through your strength, their spirit carries on. The Weight We Carry We never paused to shed a tear for the fallen— oh, the pain! Names and resting places blur, lost in this endless, sorrowful rain. Perhaps… it's better this way. They've earned their peaceful rest. And yet, to the battlefield we return, our courage tested, our hearts carrying the weight again and again. Presence of the Fallen Lifeless we lay on the crimson earth, silence our only shroud. People came, took us away, their pleas for peace cried aloud. Our presence lives on, it seems, in those who bore us away. Their cries— a testament to the price we chose to pay. Where Silence Speaks Our bodies piled, our spirits ascended, reaching for the sky. Buried together, side by side, under stones that signify. Our presence lives on, it seems, in you, my love, and friends. Be brave… allow your tears to flow. Our love in you transcends. Voices in the Void Tomorrow’s dawn brings another’s end, the void grows ever wide. The thin khaki line deepens, as more men join the tide. Their presence lives on, it seems, within hearts they’ve known. Stand tall… allow your tears to flow. Their memories— forever your own. By Paul Baldry (LongJohn)
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Mar 4
Mar 4, 2026 at 3:54 AM UTC
Presence Through the Line
Tears Without Guilt In the stillness of that fateful day, heroes were called away. We flinched, but marched on, feeling the void… where they lay. Their presence lives on, it seems, nestled within hearts they've known. Listen closely— to their whispers lingering, even when the world feels alone. Stand tall, without guilt; allow your tears to flow. For their love in you has grown, and through your strength, their spirit carries on. The Weight We Carry We never paused to shed a tear for the fallen— oh, the pain! Names and resting places blur, lost in this endless, sorrowful rain. Perhaps… it's better this way. They've earned their peaceful rest. And yet, to the battlefield we return, our courage tested, our hearts carrying the weight again and again. Presence of the Fallen Lifeless we lay on the crimson earth, silence our only shroud. People came, took us away, their pleas for peace cried aloud. Our presence lives on, it seems, in those who bore us away. Their cries— a testament to the price we chose to pay. Where Silence Speaks Our bodies piled, our spirits ascended, reaching for the sky. Buried together, side by side, under stones that signify. Our presence lives on, it seems, in you, my love, and friends. Be brave… allow your tears to flow. Our love in you transcends. Voices in the Void Tomorrow’s dawn brings another’s end, the void grows ever wide. The thin khaki line deepens, as more men join the tide. Their presence lives on, it seems, within hearts they’ve known. Stand tall… allow your tears to flow. Their memories— forever your own. By Paul Baldry (LongJohn)
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67
Tears Without Guilt In the stillness of that fateful day, heroes were called away. We flinched, but marched on, feeling the void… where they lay. Their presence lives on, it seems, nestled within hearts they've known. Listen closely— to their whispers lingering, even when the world feels alone. Stand tall, without guilt; allow your tears to flow. For their love in you has grown, and through your strength, their spirit carries on. The Weight We Carry We never paused to shed a tear for the fallen— oh, the pain! Names and resting places blur, lost in this endless, sorrowful rain. Perhaps… it's better this way. They've earned their peaceful rest. And yet, to the battlefield we return, our courage tested, our hearts carrying the weight again and again. Presence of the Fallen Lifeless we lay on the crimson earth, silence our only shroud. People came, took us away, their pleas for peace cried aloud. Our presence lives on, it seems, in those who bore us away. Their cries— a testament to the price we chose to pay. Where Silence Speaks Our bodies piled, our spirits ascended, reaching for the sky. Buried together, side by side, under stones that signify. Our presence lives on, it seems, in you, my love, and friends. Be brave… allow your tears to flow. Our love in you transcends. Voices in the Void Tomorrow’s dawn brings another’s end, the void grows ever wide. The thin khaki line deepens, as more men join the tide. Their presence lives on, it seems, within hearts they’ve known. Stand tall… allow your tears to flow. Their memories— forever your own. By Paul Baldry (LongJohn)
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Mar 4
Mar 4, 2026 at 3:47 AM UTC
Presence Through the Line
Tears Without Guilt In the stillness of that fateful day, heroes were called away. We flinched, but marched on, feeling the void… where they lay. Their presence lives on, it seems, nestled within hearts they've known. Listen closely— to their whispers lingering, even when the world feels alone. Stand tall, without guilt; allow your tears to flow. For their love in you has grown, and through your strength, their spirit carries on. The Weight We Carry We never paused to shed a tear for the fallen— oh, the pain! Names and resting places blur, lost in this endless, sorrowful rain. Perhaps… it's better this way. They've earned their peaceful rest. And yet, to the battlefield we return, our courage tested, our hearts carrying the weight again and again. Presence of the Fallen Lifeless we lay on the crimson earth, silence our only shroud. People came, took us away, their pleas for peace cried aloud. Our presence lives on, it seems, in those who bore us away. Their cries— a testament to the price we chose to pay. Where Silence Speaks Our bodies piled, our spirits ascended, reaching for the sky. Buried together, side by side, under stones that signify. Our presence lives on, it seems, in you, my love, and friends. Be brave… allow your tears to flow. Our love in you transcends. Voices in the Void Tomorrow’s dawn brings another’s end, the void grows ever wide. The thin khaki line deepens, as more men join the tide. Their presence lives on, it seems, within hearts they’ve known. Stand tall… allow your tears to flow. Their memories— forever your own. By Paul Baldry (LongJohn)
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67
Away From Home You missed my ship. I’m on my way now. You know that I am gone. You may hear the horn blast — I’m five hundred miles from home now, I’m on my way. Tomorrow, another war I meet. The battles will soon draw near. Silence among us — no words, only thoughts, thoughts of home. I’m five hundred miles from home now; a new shore glimmers ahead. Lord, oh Lord — the battle begins. Silence among us, no words. Thoughts of what comes next. Who will it be? Eyes staring, fears hidden, smiles raised. I’m five hundred miles from home now; a new shore, and I do not stand alone. Lord, hold my hand. I now step into this fight. It is not silent now — thunder. Rage, rage like never seen before. Visions of horror screaming, the noise a constant deafening roar. I’m five hundred miles from home now; a new night I will endure. Night becomes day — thunder, lightning, flashes like shooting stars. I move forward, fixed on the storm. No words, only hidden fears, raised smiles and nods of “okay.” Slowly, with intent, I will calm this storm. I’m five hundred miles from home now; a new silence — the storm is gone. Lord, thank you, thank you. Now there are words, many, many words. Smiles become laughter. I’m five hundred miles from home now. My ship sails tonight. I’m going home. I will see you soon. But my friends — so many, so many — lost, lost in the storm, lost forever. But their pain and horror gone, carried now on a warm sunset’s touch. I am home, but my heart is heavy. No words — flagged coffins pass, row on row. I stand and watch. Lowered heads, tipping hats. The bugle sounds — haunting. A flower covered road, tears, so many tears. For what, I ask you — for what.
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Feb 22
Feb 22, 2026 at 7:30 AM UTC
Away From Home
Away From Home You missed my ship. I’m on my way now. You know that I am gone. You may hear the horn blast — I’m five hundred miles from home now, I’m on my way. Tomorrow, another war I meet. The battles will soon draw near. Silence among us — no words, only thoughts, thoughts of home. I’m five hundred miles from home now; a new shore glimmers ahead. Lord, oh Lord — the battle begins. Silence among us, no words. Thoughts of what comes next. Who will it be? Eyes staring, fears hidden, smiles raised. I’m five hundred miles from home now; a new shore, and I do not stand alone. Lord, hold my hand. I now step into this fight. It is not silent now — thunder. Rage, rage like never seen before. Visions of horror screaming, the noise a constant deafening roar. I’m five hundred miles from home now; a new night I will endure. Night becomes day — thunder, lightning, flashes like shooting stars. I move forward, fixed on the storm. No words, only hidden fears, raised smiles and nods of “okay.” Slowly, with intent, I will calm this storm. I’m five hundred miles from home now; a new silence — the storm is gone. Lord, thank you, thank you. Now there are words, many, many words. Smiles become laughter. I’m five hundred miles from home now. My ship sails tonight. I’m going home. I will see you soon. But my friends — so many, so many — lost, lost in the storm, lost forever. But their pain and horror gone, carried now on a warm sunset’s touch. I am home, but my heart is heavy. No words — flagged coffins pass, row on row. I stand and watch. Lowered heads, tipping hats. The bugle sounds — haunting. A flower covered road, tears, so many tears. For what, I ask you — for what.
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58
Poppies of Remembrance Amidst the bustling street, I found him there, An old soldier selling poppies with care. Inquisitive, I sought his story to hear, About his time in battles, far and near. "I did my job, lad," the soldier said to me, Asked where he fought, his response set me free: "Anywhere they sent me, without a clue, Just followed the one ahead until we grew few." "Follow me," always a voice would call out, No questions asked, only duty devout. "Did you never wonder where you'd go?" A fleeting thought that he came to know. "Don't worry yourself," the soldier explained, "Just do your job, no need to be pained." "Did you shoot anyone?" I ventured to pry, "I just did my job," was his steadfast reply. "Lost many friends?" I probed with a sigh, His response pierced through, making me cry. "I lost fathers, grandfathers, many kin, Brothers, sisters, mothers, souls akin. We cried to God in varied tongues, Fellows from lands with different runs. Heroes in their sacrifice, pure and strong, Some returned, but others forever gone. "Now they continue to do their part?" With a poppy in hand, he spoke from the heart, "Proudly I wear, and offer to you, To remember those whose courage rings true. Friends, fathers, grandfathers of old, Mothers, grandmothers, stories untold. They secured our peace, our freedom they sowed, For the liberties we now proudly bestowed. Free because they did their job so grand, Their spirit and sacrifice will forever stand." With a tear in his eye and a trembling voice, He reminded me to cherish and rejoice. I accepted the poppy, a symbol so bright, A tribute to those who fought for what's right. Remember, he whispered, as I walked away, Their bravery and honour, never to sway. By Paul Baldry (LongJohn)
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Feb 20
Feb 20, 2026 at 12:17 PM UTC
Poppies of Remembrance
Poppies of Remembrance Amidst the bustling street, I found him there, An old soldier selling poppies with care. Inquisitive, I sought his story to hear, About his time in battles, far and near. "I did my job, lad," the soldier said to me, Asked where he fought, his response set me free: "Anywhere they sent me, without a clue, Just followed the one ahead until we grew few." "Follow me," always a voice would call out, No questions asked, only duty devout. "Did you never wonder where you'd go?" A fleeting thought that he came to know. "Don't worry yourself," the soldier explained, "Just do your job, no need to be pained." "Did you shoot anyone?" I ventured to pry, "I just did my job," was his steadfast reply. "Lost many friends?" I probed with a sigh, His response pierced through, making me cry. "I lost fathers, grandfathers, many kin, Brothers, sisters, mothers, souls akin. We cried to God in varied tongues, Fellows from lands with different runs. Heroes in their sacrifice, pure and strong, Some returned, but others forever gone. "Now they continue to do their part?" With a poppy in hand, he spoke from the heart, "Proudly I wear, and offer to you, To remember those whose courage rings true. Friends, fathers, grandfathers of old, Mothers, grandmothers, stories untold. They secured our peace, our freedom they sowed, For the liberties we now proudly bestowed. Free because they did their job so grand, Their spirit and sacrifice will forever stand." With a tear in his eye and a trembling voice, He reminded me to cherish and rejoice. I accepted the poppy, a symbol so bright, A tribute to those who fought for what's right. Remember, he whispered, as I walked away, Their bravery and honour, never to sway. By Paul Baldry (LongJohn)
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42
In twilight’s embrace, a soldier lies still, Bathed in gold, on the battlefield’s hill. Green grass caressed by crimson's soft sheen, Where poppies bloom, in silence they glean. A tapestry woven of valour and loss, The dreams he defended, now heavy to toss. Eyes sealed in slumber, a peaceful retreat, The echoes of battles, his heart's final beat. Beside him, a comrade, stoic and worn, With hands pressed to chest, where courage was born. In prayer, they commune with the spirits they’ve lost, For freedom's sweet promise, they carry the cost. The smoke drifts afar, a ghost of the fight, Yet poppies stand tall, against darkness and night. Their vibrant red song, a bittersweet cry, For dreams of tomorrow, where hope will not die.
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Feb 15
Feb 15, 2026 at 6:30 AM UTC
Whispers of the Red Poppies
In skies where chaos weaves its thread, Brave men descend, where angels tread, With silk canopies, like doves they glide, While fires of war rage and collide. Towns ablaze under a fiery night, A silk stitched with bravery's light, Amidst the flak, a thunderous roar, Hope takes flight, as they jump from the door. Each drop a promise, a tale untold… In the heart of despair, courage unfolds. As poppies bloom where shadows grow, In the face of fear, their spirits glow. So let the world remember well, The heroes who fell, the stories they tell, In a moment of darkness, they gathered their might, In the shadow of fear, bravery finds its light.
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Feb 15
Feb 15, 2026 at 6:27 AM UTC
In the Shadow of Fear
"Legacy in the Stillness" Silently mountains whisper, Footsteps of the brave remain, Shadows of lost hearts. In the stillness, they breathe strength, A legacy of honour. "Lanterns Beneath the Waves" Beneath the bright stars, Sailors lost in endless waves, Their dreams now at sea. In the depths, their spirits rise, Guiding lanterns in the dark. "March of Memory" Muddy boots on the path, Marching through the weight of time, Memories of pain. Yet courage fuels each stride, A strengthening their fight. "Valour in the Wind" Airborne spirits soar, Clouds cradle the fallen's dreams, Wisps of valour’s grace. In each gust, their stories told, Bravery etched in the sky. "Stone of Honour" Cannon fire echoes, A mother's heart breaks in two, Lost son on the field. Yet she stands with pride and grace, His name wrapped in honours stone.
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Feb 7
Feb 7, 2026 at 12:30 PM UTC
The Heart that Speaks in Silence
Were you brave? Were you quaking? Were you tough or were you faking? Did you cry for your Mum’s embrace? Or bite your cheek just to save face? Did your letters euphemise? Were they scribed with tear filled eyes? Did you pray for silent nights? Try to unsee grisly sights? Did you think how life would be if you made it back across the sea? Did you deliver a mate’s last note and hug his Mum with a lump in your throat? Did you come home claiming glory or never voice your untold story? Your sacrifice I can’t repay, and so I honour on this day a face that is unknown to me who paid the price for my liberty.
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Apr 25, 2022
Apr 25, 2022 at 4:23 AM UTC
TO THE DIGGER
With leaves fireworking their last defiant blaze against grey skies and the mud, once again I forget to remember the muted tannoy announces silence for customers and staff and the surreal descends among the tins of peas and carrots where the absence of the normal clatter suddenly roars, catches in my throat, the plaintive, Sally Army bugler scoring the sadness in these aisles, these isles with two minutes passed, the cacophony of the tide of plant based diets and too early Stollen returns to wash over, to forget
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Nov 14, 2021
Nov 14, 2021 at 6:51 AM UTC
Grocery
With each step he took cautiously Eyes peeled ears listening Out In the open Hands firmly on his rifle As he patrols through the land His brothers beside him Rounds popping from left to right Dashing for cover I have your back my brother Side by side we stand Together on this land Home we’ll be soon enough
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Oct 14, 2020
Oct 14, 2020 at 4:33 AM UTC
The Soldier
Standing on my driveway Gazing left and right Thinking of the diggers Who left their homes to fight Thankful I can stand here Proud as I can be Of men and women’s sacrifice Made for you and me To be free To stand on our driveway.
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Apr 25, 2020
Apr 25, 2020 at 10:21 AM UTC
ANZAC DAY 2020
The time has come again, Of commemoration, To the men who fought, At their final destination. Years and years ago, Let out, was a vast strife, And among that war, A man who lost his life. Remembering those soldiers, Lines and lines of men, Who dreamt of protecting, Since they were merely ten. They fell while serving, But their dreams were met, And on this solemn day, We say, “Lest We Forget.”
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Nov 10, 2019
Nov 10, 2019 at 10:29 PM UTC
Lest We Forget
Thick gravy mud incessantly pulling at my boots, ******* and squelching it’s distaste at its failure with each step I evade its clutches, Brown hail flying in all directions ripping into flesh and taking eyes, Ears reverberating with the excruciating din of falling shells, Accompanied with the desperate screams of my comrades. Like hells orchestra, Low rumbles culminating in shrieking sopranos, Piercing, Deafening, It’s very lack of percussion spreads fear throughout the ranks, Through it all there comes a sinister silence, The true calm before the next storm, Medics being screamed for in every direction, Instructions being bellowed to grasp some pathetic sense of order, In this chaotic pandemonium we push on without hope, Following orders, The crescendo of destruction starts again, Louder, Angrier, The poetic lunacy of dying in vain, Our last moments played out like some poorly written depraved play, Cannon fodder, Our own remains serving as the uneven carpet of sickly maroon within our trench, The smell so powerful that I baulk, Eyes constantly stinging and streaming, All my senses being flayed in unison, This is the price we pay for your freedom, This is the truth of what we endure, So many deserving so much yet left with so little, Lest we forget, Lest we forget. Lest we forget.
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Mar 6, 2019
Mar 6, 2019 at 2:13 PM UTC
In the midst of War.
Those who fell at  Gallipoli For those who arrived at Gallipoli, for those who fell at dawn For those who fell at Gallipoli, together we shall mourn. Strong in heart and mind those soldiers had to be, But they kept our country free, those who fell at Gallipoli. Now poppies grow among their graves, those who fell at Gallipoli, those who fell at dawn, Their memory shall not die, for they shall live on in our hearts, We will remember them you and I. By Mollie Spencer
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Mar 28, 2018
Mar 28, 2018 at 6:01 PM UTC
Those who fell at Gallipoli (an Anzac poem)
Today on Plymouth *** stood showing our respects. Amongst the ceramic poppies standing, tall proud and ***** An installation of "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red" Each one representing a life lost at war Reminding us life is precious, Lest we Forget. The least we can do is buy a Poppy. Support your local heroes buy a Poppy this November.
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Nov 5, 2017
Nov 5, 2017 at 3:13 PM UTC
Lest we forget
In fields of red our soldiers sleep Their souls in heaven for God to keep Our freedom comes at such a cost We will remember the lives they lost An endless sleep brought on by war We pray for peace forevermore But we know a day will come When we will call our brave and young To take up arms and defend our land So we ask for God's mighty hand Our country's one full of free men Because of thousands who'll never wake again So as I watch the red sun set I Whisper their names lest we forget
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Apr 25, 2016
Apr 25, 2016 at 4:34 PM UTC
ANZAC
In the trenches Dark and damp Hear the feet Of soldiers Stamp Falling down Bullets fly Many men Will fall Tonight Holding hands To reassure They're not Alone Anymore Bowing heads A moment to remember Silence on the 11th of November
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Nov 10, 2015
Nov 10, 2015 at 8:38 AM UTC
In the trenches