We sent them off to war,
these bright young men
We had no knowledge of what they saw,
They were bright young men no more .
Yes they were brave and they were whole
Those that survived had all lost their soul.
Many died, they were the lucky ones , death to them was kind.
Those who returned were faded in body and mind.
Their loved ones at first relieved
Soon found they had much cause to grieve.
Though there in body broken, they were not home in their mind
Whether whole in body or not they had left their minds behind.
They went out whole, these bright young things
They went full of pride for God and Kings
They ran head long into hell
Yet on return they could not relinquish it’s bad spell.
So we had a nation of half men ghosts
Whimpering fearful their heads still have them at their posts.
The trenches and the blasts of bombs, the smell of death
Clung to them and bled them dry, the whole in body, the blind, the amputee it was as if the battle, they never left
We sent them off to war,
These bright young men
We had no knowledge of what they saw,
They were bright young men no more.
Nov 11, 2016 @ 04:48:16
Its a day for remembering Willow, my maternal grandfather went to the western front and was gassed……once he was well enough they sent him back. By age 56 he was dead…..
Nov 11, 2016 @ 06:53:51
The ‘great war ‘ as they called the first world effected so many. I remember family relatives mentioned,terrible storied. A war to end all wars, something better to come home to? Nothing changes.
Nov 11, 2016 @ 06:54:48
So true. Ruined so many lives as well.
Nov 11, 2016 @ 06:58:24
So very sad, my brother, as ex Arny takes trips to the battle fields and trenches in France. He shows young people the truth about WW1 he Aldo takes older people too he will be busy today.
Nov 11, 2016 @ 07:18:41
Thank you, a moving piece
Nov 11, 2016 @ 08:35:41
I was struck by the painting all the young men going from whole to ghosts of themselves, dead or alive. I hate all war. xxxx
Nov 11, 2016 @ 09:30:58
Sadly it doesn’t look as if we’ve learned anything. I saw a programme about the power of film and imagery, the film maker said that they were setting up their cameras as a group of dispirited young soldiers approached them, seeing the cameras they stood erect, even the wounded and marched past not wanting to show any sign of defeat, makes you wonder where people draw such strength and determination.
Nov 11, 2016 @ 13:17:29
I just do not know, but I do know they can suffer terribly in silence. xxxx
Nov 11, 2016 @ 07:54:05
Reblogged this on Grumpy old fart!!!.
Nov 11, 2016 @ 08:33:25
Thank you for the reblog, we must never forget! xx
Nov 11, 2016 @ 08:50:54
very moving, very powerful
Nov 11, 2016 @ 12:46:33
Thank you Geoff , the painting moved me so. I abhor war but the fall out the cost to human life is worse. These men , these wonderful men and women we owe them so much.
Nov 11, 2016 @ 14:21:39
Wonderful painting. Love the fading
Nov 11, 2016 @ 15:53:29
Yes so full of what actually happened!
Nov 11, 2016 @ 10:57:21
This reminds me so much of our Vietnam Vets who came back as ghosts of themselves.
Nov 11, 2016 @ 15:48:51
Yes different wars same symptoms!
Nov 11, 2016 @ 16:57:15
That was beautifully written, Willow. So very moving xxxx
Nov 11, 2016 @ 17:27:38
All I can say Judy is we would not be where we are if they and many others since had made sacrifices.
Nov 11, 2016 @ 17:38:57
Too true! -)
Nov 11, 2016 @ 18:41:57
Yes
Nov 11, 2016 @ 17:27:46
xxxx
Nov 11, 2016 @ 17:15:14
A moving tribute, Willow. Well done. ❤ ❤ ❤
Nov 11, 2016 @ 17:25:27
Thank you Tess. The painting said it all it spoke to me!
Nov 12, 2016 @ 20:42:10
You are more than welcome, Willow. ❤
Nov 12, 2016 @ 20:43:32
❤ 😉
Nov 12, 2016 @ 21:01:03
❤ ❤
Nov 12, 2016 @ 14:04:07
Wonderful tribute Willow
Nov 12, 2016 @ 16:53:33
We owe them so much!
Nov 12, 2016 @ 18:46:39
yes we do
Mar 16, 2017 @ 19:09:59
So it goes – K.V. It always resonates with subjects of war. Best, DG.
Mar 17, 2017 @ 09:22:22
Thanks for reading!!
Mar 17, 2017 @ 09:23:07
Thanks for reading xx