November Silence

When the world turned its page to its darkest chapters
Children were hiding, no warmth or laughter
Bombs, guns, gas, trenches,
torches, screams, disease, fences

Mothers mustered boys from school to the fields
Boys were called men with the weapons they wield
No other choice, if not them, then who would fight?
Or rage, rage against the dying of the light

The war to end wars we must never forget
Especially in peace, for still we regret
No glory or honour to live at fears bequest
They fought, and fought on, so that we may rest

Death, never sweet, though solemn oaths they take
Far from their families, though their hearts break
So in November, we must stop to think
Take silence for them who no longer can speak

Copyright © 2010 Barrett Cressman

Poetry