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Known Unto God - A Vimy Ridge Memorial

ninety five years ago to the day,
A young man gave his life away.
His last nights he spent in the land of the French,
Living and breathing in a small damp trench.
Easter morning he went over the top,
He did not look back he did not stop.
He gave it his all right from the start,
He fought the enemy with all of his heart.
Now he lies in a neat military row,
Sadly his name nobody knows.

Inspired by = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Jd1w-7jdqQ

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©16 April 2012 - 11:17pm — sadiemclean
18 April 2012 - 7:28pm — sadiemclean
sadiemclean's picture

Thanks

Thank you both for your kind words. As a Canadian student I had the opportunity to fly to France last week and take part in the ninety fifth anniversary ceremony at the Vimy Ridge memorial. During the ceremony I had the chance to stand at the grave of a fallen solider who I can only guess was no older than I am. It was truly heart breaking to see the words "known unto god" written in bold lettering on his grave stone. I can't imagine what it must be like for the many families who have no way to memorialize their fallen relatives. It saddens me to think that this boy fought for his country and we don't have a name to thank him by. This poem is for all of those families for generations to come. I may be young but I have seen first hand how many of these young men lost their identities. You can never really get it until you see it, but I hope this poem does them justice. Thank you so much for your support! I never in a million years expected to have this much response in such a short amount of time. It truly brightens my day.

18 April 2012 - 1:45pm — 9inety
9inety's picture

Although, I am not familiar with the Vimy Ridge Memorial

I am familiar with loss through war...

Your appreciation for verse with historical perspective is an inspiration this work of art is full of passion and creative interpretation. I encourage you to continue writing, to hone your understanding of your craft, unleashing your imagination to create imagery that moves and inspires. A far as the context of your work it is superb, sometimes as a society we collectively erase all memory of events during awful conflicts, it is indefensible, we should always honor those who died to defend our freedom.

Again, well done!!!

Stay safe
Be happy
Peace
Dylan

"One of the best results of life, is the torment of love"

Dylan Eliot