THE YOUNG DEAD SOLDIERS DO NOT SPEAK
Nevertheless they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them?
They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts.
They say, We were young. We have died. Remember us.
They say, We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done.
They say, Our deaths are not ours: they are yours: they will mean what you make them.
They say, Whether our lives and our deaths were for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say: it is you who must say this.
They say, We leave you our deaths: give them their meaning: give them an end to the war and a true peace: give them a victory that ends the war and a peace afterwards: give them their meaning.
We were young, they say. We have died. Remember us.
Anonymous, 1944
A most excellent posting, Jerry. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, B.D.
DeleteYour took the poem to heart. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
DeleteThank you for this tribute. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteSB Dan
Same to you, Dan.
DeleteThis poem: I have no words, but have teary eyes.
ReplyDeleteLike you, it affected me deeply. That's why I chose it.
DeleteWWII was perhaps the last just war, a moral and ethical war against the worst tyranny in history. Those who give their lives in a just war become the just.
ReplyDeleteSo very true, Julian. Thanks.
DeleteThis and the individual soldier postings was an affecting read. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Dewey.
DeleteGreat postings. Retired 73 year old man. Not gay but gay supportive. I am never naked during a whole day but there are time periods when I find this relaxing.
ReplyDeleteEveryone over age 18 is welcome here, so you qualify. Relaxing is good.
Delete