Tuesday, November 04, 2014

A World War 1 poem

This poem perfectly captures the grief and loss back then, but remarkably it was written for a school project a few weeks ago by local schoolgirl Niamh who is just 11 years old.

Like Father Like Daughter

Daughter’s point of view

When I first came into this world
you could not be there.
But Mummy promised every night
That you would always care.
Each day I grew a little more
And I’m beginning to look like you.
Mummy says you love me
And Daddy I love you too.

Dad’s point of view

As we march, it’s unbearably hot.
I dream of surviving, cannot get shot.
Try to focus, what each day brings.
To escape this horror, I may need wings.
So much misery, so much pain.
Fog of war, torrential rain.
Mountainous jungles do not forgive.
Must be careful, if I wish to live.
Shock arrives and invites pain.
Brother nearby has been slain.
Now expected to logically think.
Insanity is creeping, at the brink.
I write this poem here where I lay.
Sunshine is gone, I only see grey.
Wish I had a bit more time,
I’m in my twenties, I’m in my prime.
But I only have a minute or two.
My body is numb, my face is blue.
I’m so sorry, I did my best
Life is leaving, through my red chest.


Niamh Finlay

For Magpie Tales

8 comments:

  1. Damn! That touches deep. The pain, the longing, the desperately held on wishes...

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  2. Wow - I cannot believe that an eleven year old wrote that - remarkable and very touching.

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  3. Impressive and quite moving...

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  4. So sad but I found it moving also!

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  5. Wow, that is heart-wrenching!

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  6. A true story, writ so many thousands of times. perfect for the prompt!

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  7. Hi I'm the writer of this i didn't even know it had got online till now thank you for the loverly comment.
    Niamh x

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