Cup-A-Tea Poetry Corner 11/11/11

Many countries have a special day of remembrance for those that fell in their wars. For example, in France there is Armistice Day, and in America, Veterans Day. In Britain and the countries of the English Commonwealth, we commemorate those who fought, and are still fighting, in wars for their country on Remembrance Day which is always held on 11th of November. It was on this day that World War One ended in 1918, when the armistice was signed in Compiegne, Northern France, at 5am. Six hours later, the fighting stopped, and in commemoration of this, there is a moment's silence at 11am, every 11th of November. Hence, for today's Cup-A-Tea Poetry Corner, I wanted to share this ode or poem, as today, 11/11/11 is Remembrance Day. Here it is:

For The Fallen

by Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,

England mourns for her dead across the sea.

Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,

Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal

Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres. 

There is music in the midst of desolation

And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,

Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the gong down of the sun and in the morning 

We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;

They sit no more at familiar tables at home;

They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;

They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,

Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,

To the innermost heart of their own land they are known

As the stars are known to the Night;

As the starts that shall be bright when we are dust,

Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,

As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,

To the end, to the end, they remain

...

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the gong down of the sun and in the morning 

We will remember them.

Yes! We will remember them, those who died for our country's freedom, and those most of all who died for Christ throughout those tumultuous years ... 

"Lest We Forget."