Re: Flanders Field -- Unicorn

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Date Posted: 13:08:16 07/13/02 Sat
Author: Raphaela
Author Host/IP: webcacheB05a.cache.pol.co.uk / 195.92.168.167
Subject: Re: Flanders Field
In reply to: Gemini 's message, "Flanders Field" on 02:05:30 07/13/02 Sat

I am really enjoying reading your poetry Gemini. You have a special talent. I have read many war poems - from 1700 to recent and related to the various wars. They all move me, particularly because of the unneccessary waste of life. I know some will disagree with my word unnecessary but I still find it hard to accept the human sacrifice of young boys, which many are.

I liked this poem - the alliteration drew the reader's attention to the language. I also thought the contrasting imagery worked well - the juxtoposition of normality with what the war rips apart.

I only wondered if there should be some mention to the poppies growing there - perhaps in contrast to the first stanza's 'Where once the flowers swayed'.

Have you ever read Battle of Blenheim? If not I will mail it to you. There is a contrast there when the children live an play on a former battle field, and Old Kaspar, their grandfather, who finds a skull recalls the battle.

Thanks for posting. I hope to see you sharing more of your talent with Unicorn. Thank you also for taking the time to read and comment on the other posts. Unicorn is so busy these days, it is becoming a full time job so it is great when other writers fully contribute.

Raphaela

>Flanders Field
>
>An ice wind drives the rain,
>Through the channels in the land,
>That scars the Flanders fields,
>Where once the flowers swayed.
>
>Gaunt, ghost grey faces stare,
>Waiting for the whistles shrill,
>Numbed feet in frozen pools,
>Where once the lovers strayed.
>
>Teeth clenched against the shock,
>As cannons boom shakes the ground,
>Shrapnel screams to the skies,
>Where once the Swallows played.
>
>Dull limbs and minds go forth,
>Bullets winging past their ears,
>Through the mists across the field,
>Where now the brave men stayed.
>
>
>Gemini. 12th July 2002

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Replies:

Re: Flanders Field -- Gemini, 00:24:35 07/14/02 Sun