In Flanders Fields by John McCrae
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 amid 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.
©2018 mamasemptynest.wordpress.com
Mama of this empty nest, I’m content to live a quiet, country life with my husband of 40+ years and to view gorgeous sunsets off our own back yard deck. Mama to three adults and Nana to adorable grandchildren, my empty nest fills up again with noise and laughter when they all return 'home'.
A former English teacher, reporter/editor, education director for a non-profit organization, and stay at home mom, I retired after a season of substitute teaching at a private academy. Now I enjoy time spent with my grandchildren and family and writing words that seem to pour out of my soul or wandering around the countryside with my camera.
Foremost, my faith sustains me as I meander through the empty nest stage of life. My favorite scripture is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
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Mama's Empty Nest 
Thanks for posting this poem. It has such a haunting feeling for me, especially this year. Just returned from a wonderful trip of our nation”s capitol and visiting Arlington. The guide quoted part of the poem and presented us with a silk poppy at the end of our visit. Had visited the Vietnam War Memorial prior where I located the name of my friend on the wall. Brings everything home when you witness all the names and see the rows of white headstones. Could have stayed there all day. Changing of the guard at The Tomb of the Unknowns was done with such respect and dignity. If only all would remember that freedom, for those who fought for it, has a taste the protected will never know.
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I think a lot of folks don’t even think about it, but visiting the war memorials makes it all so very real. I don’t remember what grade it was, but I had to memorize this poem in school. I don’t even think students have to memorize any poetry any more, let alone something as poignant as this poem is. Glad you had a wonderful trip to D.C.
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This is beautiful in a haunting way… thank you for sharing!
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That’s what I was hoping for — we must never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can be free.
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Wonderful post! May we never forget!
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We as Americans won’t continue to remember if we don’t teach our youth the real meaning as to why we commemorate this day. I actually get a irritated when folks don’t seem to know the meaning behind the day.
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I do too, especially because I come from a family with a long military background.
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I don’t know if you remember or not, but my husband is former military and our time in the military was an eye-opener for me in so many ways. I’ll never forget those who’ve gone before us like those in your family.
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