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Echoes of War

In Memoriam of brave, lost souls during the First World War Our insides churn, nostrils flare, with the pungent stench, Order given to leave our sanctuary and trench. Battle cry, whistle blown and up and over we go; Standing together in advancement row by row. We, doomed soldiers, marching onto the battlefield holding our rifles, killing weapons, as our shields. Hats made of tin lay cumbrous on our head, Boots holding chaffed, unsteady feet, as we tread. Upfront the enemy and fast approaching us, Peaceful bygone days, oh— how beautiful it was! Loss of innocence, bloodied through war, outbraves, Blades turn crimson red — so many early graves. Bugles sound, shells explode, blinded and choked within; Shattered dreams, shattered lives, battle we may not win. Comrades that became friends fall at our feet — Only death awaiting them now to meet. Their last breathless, muttered words lovingly spoken, A falling silent tear, plea, gesture or token. Remembrance to behold for their sweetheart, mother; Final last memories, thoughts, can be of no other. Resonant of sound and echoes of war a shroud of smoke filled air as now and before. Remember us always today and forever more. We gave to king, country and those we adore.

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Sam Scott

Date: 6/30/2024 11:00:00 PM

I found this and it does paint a grim heart-wrenching picture, and so it should. Nothing about war is pretty especially in those times. I sometimes visit the Imperial War Museum and there too the human cost of war is displayed in sensory terms.. your poem, Christina, has those visceral qualities we need to remember; the sacrifices, the waste; the lost loves. Powerful and necessary. Blessings, S :) x

Christina Bowring
Date: 7/1/2024 1:42:00 PM

Dear Sam, thank you for your presence here and sharing such poignant thoughts. Wilfred Owen made an impact with his accounts of truthful horror as did his mentor Siegfried Sassoon and you cannot help but be affected by it. We owe them so much as they gave the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for your valued response. Blessings to you :) x

Joe Maverick

Date: 3/21/2024 1:26:00 PM

My Grandfather took ship to this war, he was a Horseman par exellance he was in artillary He made freinds playing cards with a youger Man his group got stationed in a chateau and At some point they came under fire it was Mustard gas the young man had been out on The lawn he got shellshock and was running in In circles my grandfather ran through the shelling and threw his greatcoat over his head Like you would a horse threw him over his Shoulder and ran back for the cellars where the Officer

Christina Bowring
Date: 3/25/2024 1:03:00 PM

Dear Joe, thank you so much for visiting again and for sharing about your brave grandfather. It’s hard to imagine what all those poor men went through. Truly awful. Your grandfather was indeed a hero. It’s so sad that you weren’t given the opportunity to know him. He must have been a truly amazing man. Blessings to you both.

Joe Maverick
Date: 3/21/2024 1:31:00 PM

In charge first told them to go Unfortunenatly my grandfather Breathed in some gas in the Exertions and he was never the Same..He died a few years later after contracting tb it was All Too much for his body. Although i never Knew him.. May he rest in peace.!!

Speaks Volumes

Date: 1/13/2024 5:23:00 PM

For man's own hand was the hand of fate.. lest we forget. A credit to you Chris. No words can embellish what you have said.

Christina Bowring
Date: 1/14/2024 2:59:00 PM

Dear SV, your words are truly beautiful that enhances the poem. Thank you so much and much blessings to you xx

Duke Beaufort

Date: 12/27/2023 7:26:00 PM

A very touching piece. We take so much for granted, and it's hard to grasp that people lose their lives in battle. All the wonder we have as we live is lost in a brief instant. Hopefully this madness will end. You put the loss in such a touching and loving thought for those who died and only makes me more and more sorry about it all.

Christina Bowring
Date: 12/29/2023 6:43:00 AM

My grateful thanks to you Duke for another much appreciated visit from you. Such touching, thoughtful comments. Thank you for all your encouragement that is always a joy to receive. Happy New Year Duke with blessings. :)

Panagiota Romios

Date: 9/13/2023 11:13:00 AM

A true to life piece on wars, I watch documentaries of World War I and World War II on the weekends. These young men went to war to save their country. We forget that had they not..we would all be Nazis today. I wrote a poem about 9/11. I felt bad it wasn’t read mulch or well received…friends of mine, live in New York, went into therapy because of 9/11 ! And the most disgusting thing to put in Guiliani in jail, ASAP! Pangie xx

Christina Bowring
Date: 9/14/2023 2:28:00 AM

Hello Pangie. Thank you so much for your visit and leaving comments. All wars are truly awful and leave so much devastation. We can only keep praying for world peace. Wishing you a lovely, peaceful day. Hugs to you xxx

David Fisher

Date: 9/4/2023 5:15:00 PM

This is such a descriptive, force of a poem! It should be mandatory reading before boot camp, to make sure they know the realities.

Christina Bowring
Date: 9/5/2023 6:43:00 AM

Thank you so much for your visit David and leaving lovely comments. So appreciated. Warmest wishes to you.

Joe Maverick

Date: 8/31/2023 9:31:00 PM

What use is war.? Its ti be avioded by All means..Yet it ever surfaces I watched A you tube interview apparantly the Ukranians are handing out amphetamins To soldiers to maje them fearless ?? Maybe the Russians are too?? Its a sad situation.'

Christina Bowring
Date: 8/31/2023 11:55:00 PM

Thank you so much for your visit Joe. I agree with you completely. It’s heartbreaking to constantly watch such grief, destruction, life’s ruined and death. A very sad situation for all. Have a peaceful day.

Lady Labyrinth

Date: 8/27/2023 5:14:00 PM

All war is devasting, but that war in particular, brutal. Your words show a strong empathy (without perhaps being in the front line of old men and their wars). I always found it astounding that story about how in 1914, English, French and German soldiers dropped their weapons in an unofficeal ceasefire, venturing into "no man's land" to respect each other as brothers. It is a shame, that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, could not stop the war entirely and humanity learn from the experience.

Christina Bowring
Date: 8/28/2023 2:51:00 AM

My heartfelt gratitude to you for reading the poem and taking the time to leave much appreciated comments. I am thrilled and honoured that it’s gone into your favs. It means so much from a talented, creative poet that you are. Thank you, thank you and blessings xx

Lady Labyrinth
Date: 8/27/2023 5:15:00 PM

A poignant strong write you have delivered Christina, one of respect. Goes into my favourites.

Mandy Tams The Golden Girl

Date: 8/26/2023 1:21:00 AM

wow, tugs at the emotions Christina, very well described, and thank you for visiting my work, I appreciate it so much xx

Christina Bowring
Date: 8/27/2023 2:11:00 AM

Thank you so much Mandy for your visit and your very kind comments. I am very grateful. It’s lovely to meet you and I look forward to reading more of your work. Have a lovely Sunday. Xx

Bill Baker

Date: 8/25/2023 4:18:00 PM

Your descriptions were very accurate, Christina. As the saying goes, "war is hell". So many lives lost, many times for nothing, as there is no winner in war. Thanks for sharing your poetry with us, my friend. Smiles ~ Blessings Bill

Robert L. Hinshaw

Date: 8/20/2023 1:56:00 PM

Wow! Fascinating description of that senseless war. Excellent work, Christina! Bob H

Christina Bowring
Date: 8/21/2023 1:11:00 AM

Thank you so much for reading the poem Bob and leaving such lovely comments. This is a very special poem to me that’s close to my heart so very much appreciated. Warmest wishes.

Sotto Poet

Date: 8/17/2023 5:25:00 PM

The imagery displayed in your work is truly exceptional, exhibiting a remarkable level of artistry. Your writing is masterfully crafted, evoking a profound sense of beauty. Moreover, your profound love and care for others are palpable, emanating from every word. I am truly grateful for your visit to my page.

Christina Bowring
Date: 8/18/2023 2:10:00 PM

Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. I am honoured and take inspiration from great, skilled poets such as yourself. Since joining this fantastic, welcoming site with so many kindred spirits, I know that I have already improved with my poems. I’ve gone from being a lazy, less creative, writer to having the confidence to rip apart my poems and improve, improve and I hope to continue to do so.My sincere thanks to you, alongside so many others, for being a part of my learning process. Blessings to you.

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 8/2/2023 5:05:00 PM

Just beautiful in every way Christina. Your loving and caring spirit shines through. :)

Christina Bowring
Date: 8/5/2023 1:37:00 PM

Bless you Linda. What a truly lovely thing to say. Thank you so very much for reading this poignant poem. Keep inspiring me ….

Terrell Martin

Date: 7/29/2023 6:22:00 PM

This poem leaves no doubt that you not only know something about the 1st World War but that you've thought deeply about it as well. Kudos for a well written poem about war from a bygone era that helps keep the fallen soldiers' memories alive. Write on, Terrell

Christina Bowring
Date: 8/5/2023 1:17:00 PM

Thank you very much Terrell for reading the poem and for your lovely, encouraging comments.This particular poem has a very special place in my heart.

Bill Baker

Date: 7/29/2023 2:33:00 PM

Powerful resonating poem of war, Christina. The imagery was exquisite. The emotions and feeling were well communicated. Have a great weekend! Bill

Christina Bowring
Date: 8/5/2023 1:27:00 PM

Thank you Bill for your very kind comments. So appreciated - and the support shared on here inspires us all. Hope you are having a creative weekend!

Jerry Brotherton

Date: 7/27/2023 5:52:00 PM

Powerful words indeed. What a great poem filled with passion. Thanks for sharing.

Christina Bowring
Date: 7/28/2023 1:51:00 PM

Thank you so much for reading the poem Jerry and for leaving lovely comments. Very much appreciated.