For those at the front.....

My Grandad (front right) Thomas Stephen Card

This weekend I have managed to catch up with a few BBC programmes that have been made using digitally remastered material from interviews done in the1960s  with those serving and living through World War I. Photographs and interviews which give a clearer insight into what it must have been like 100 years ago this year since it started. There are many acts of remembrance planned this year, I for one will be scattering poppy seeds in a few weeks time.

I was inspired to write the following using some of the words spoken by the old soldiers during the programmes, it just somehow seems the right thing to do:


For those at the front, keep the home fires burning,
Say the right things and  try to understand.
They were the longest of hours and the shortest of hours.
For those at the front, Remember.

For those at the front, without action it's really rather fun.
There's German voices singing "C'mon over Tommy" - parlez-vous,
Exchanges of gifts and addresses for when the war is over- parlez-vous.
The Russians are throwing painted Easter eggs - parlez-vous.
How can you both be fighting for freedom?
How can your God be on both sides?

For those at the front be British and over the top you go!
For those at the front, smile boys that's the style.
Do you have courage to face the rain of lead?
Fear has left you and now is terror.
You don't look - you see.
You don't hear - you listen.
You taste the top of your mouth,
You reach the point where there is no beyond.

The veneer of civilisation is locked away.

For those at the front it's over.
For those at the front, 'Pack up your troubles',
Remember.......
"Here lies a soldier of the Great War."

A D Hook March 2014