In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
"In Flanders Fields" is perhaps the most famous war poem ever written. It was written during World War 1, in 1915, the day after McCrae witnessed the death of his close friend. It is often recited during Rememberance Day ceremonies because it refers to the poppies that grew in abundance in the battlefields and cemeteries where war casualties were buried. There is repetition in the poem in the first and last lines, in the second line with "row on row", and in the third line of the 2nd stanza with "loved, and were loved". A lark singing, in line 4, is an example of personification. There is alliteration in the 3rd line of the 3rd stanza, with "hold it high". Structurally, the poem is a French rondeau, which has 15 lines and 3 stanzas, with rhyme scheme AABBA, AABC, AABBAC.
In Flanders Fields is one of my favourite poems, because it transcended its time and will likely be a part of our culture forever. It evokes the fighting spirit of the soldiers, and helps us to remember their sacrifice for our freedom. It may be sad, but I think it's necessary. Good choice.
ReplyDeleteI remember back in grade five when i had to recite this poem with the hand symbols. Reading this now brings back a very memorable Remembrance day and Remebrance day ceremony. It is possibly one of the most widely known poems and although I haven't fully figured out your theme yet, fits well with your previous poem.
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