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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9218-Remembering.html
Poetry: November 14, 2018 Issue [#9218]




 This week: Remembering..
  Edited by: eyestar~* Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

*Smile* Hi readers! I am happy to be a guest editor for this edition. With Remembrance Day on Nov 11 just passed, I wanted to do a little tribute for all who served in the forces by bringing to mind a famous poem and John McCrae in honour of this 100th year since the end of WW1. Peace to all! *Flowerr*


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Letter from the editor

*Flowerr*John McCrae,(1872-1918} was a Canadian poet, a physician, surgeon, author and soldier of WW 1, who composed the famous wartime poem "In Flanders Fields." He was on holiday in England at age 41, when he signed up to help the English as field surgeon and became Medical Officer in 1914. While in Belgium at Ypres, he was inspired to write this poem on the day after a bomb exploded and a young 22 yr old friend, Alex Hilmer, was killed. A wooden cross marked his burial. He wrote it in about 20 minutes as he witnessed the bleakness of the trenches and the poppies and larks, and hoped that others would "take up' the cause so the deaths would not be in vain.

*Flowerr*The poem was actually rejected by the bigger newspapers but appeared in the British Magazine Punch in Dec 8, 1915, unnamed, in a small corner. Yet it became a popular poem, copied, sang, and even used to raise money for the war effort. After his death Sir Andrew Macphail added it to his collection in 1919.

*Flowerr*At the 100th anniversary of his poem in 2015, he was named to the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. He actually was quite brilliant pathologist, associate at McGill U. and wrote in medical journals, as well as poetry in "the Pen and Pencil Club". Also a statue to him was created by Ruth Abernathy for Ottawa, Ont.

*Flowerr*The poem has been recited each year on Remembrance Day, Nov 11, and most years I can recall doing it in school and memorials during my life. It was one of the first poems we studied I recall studying as a "Poem". *Smile* Poppies became popular.

*Flowerr*Its dramatic imagery and tone always evokes a chill and makes me grateful for those who had to face the task so that many of us never had to. It has the feel of a sonnet and the repetition of the title words reflect an echo sound across time. He uses only two rhyme sounds "O" and "I" and the breaks in mid lines are abrupt and add pause. the contrast of images are evocative as well.The voice of the dead and then relating to the common experience of sunset connects us. The picture has become iconic: the battle sounds on the earth and the larks call, death and life and the image of the torch. The keen observation is moving.

In Flanders Fields

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."

*Flowerr*He painted such vivid picture in the moment and I admire the clarity that comes from the heart and muse even in such a chaotic place and situation. To find that quiet moment and need to express his grief and insight. It was to be his legacy, as he suffered with asthma, and the first use of gas in this battle effected him and he died of pneumonia 3 years later (age 45) before he could take up his role as Consultant to the First British Army, the first Canadian to hold that post.

Here is a reading from 2015 by another iconic Canadian poets, Leonard Cohen:


www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKoJvHcMLfc

*Flowerr*John wrote others as well including this one:

The Anxious Dead

The poem has inspired and has had meaning across the years in many conflicts that even today ravage our world.
Let's remember the "brave" as we wear our poppies bright. *Salute**Flowerr*


poems from
https://www.poemhunter.com/john-mccrae/

A bit of background about John, poppies and poem influence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3OGSGM0HOI




Editor's Picks

*Flowerr*Enjoy these tribute writings *Salute* and contests.

"Invalid ItemOpen in new Window.
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"A Soldier's PrayerOpen in new Window.
"NormandyOpen in new Window.
"Once a Soldier ...Open in new Window.


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The Humorous Poetry Contest Open in new Window. (18+)
The contest where the rating doesn't matter! ~ Next TBA~
#1875093 by Lornda Author IconMail Icon

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#2127492 by Not Available.

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The Taboo Words Contest ~ On Hiatus Open in new Window. (13+)
create writing that has wings
#2139468 by Choconut Author IconMail Icon


A POETRY round in our site contest! *Shock2**Heart* Go for it!!
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Journey Through Genres: Official Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Write a short story in the given genre to win big prizes!
#1803133 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon

 
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Ask & Answer

And Wow! thanks for these entries responding to my last newsletter!

Lou-Here By His Grace Author Icon
My attempt at a Villanelle.

Storyville Open in new Window. (13+)
Dedicated to a decident memory in New Orleans. Villanelle
#1536142 by Lou-Here By His Grace Author IconMail Icon


Fabulous!

The Dark Faery Author Icon

I wrote this ,
With Eyes Closed Open in new Window. (ASR)
What can happen with eyes closed.
#2150187 by The Dark Faery Author IconMail Icon
,


Way to go!!

Jim Hall Author Icon

I recently tried my hand at writing a Villanelle poem:
{entry:} Villanelle from
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Taking My Poetry Public: A Collection Open in new Window. (GC)
an exploration of poetic elements and styles... a 2019 Quill Award Nominee
#2063476 by Jim Hall Author IconMail Icon


I did find it a challenge to write, but fun at the same time.


I hear you! Awesome.


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