I wrote the poem below as part of our Remembrance Day ceremony. It was inspired by my great grandfather who fought as part of the dutch resistance during WWI. I also shared his service medal that has the words that make up the title of this poem, Peace and Honour. We need to find ways to connect to the efforts and sacrifices of those that have put so much on the line for our freedoms. May we always remember and honour them.

 

Vrede en eer

One hundred years ago

A man I would never know

Fought for me

In his home occupied

He resisted side by side

Soldiers from over sea

Protecting his land

And taking a stand

Pushing back tyranny

Years were long

Without swan song

Not knowing what would be

Sanguine trenches the norm

Through bullet storms

Forests of broken trees

Imagined bread

Rations instead

Tables remained empty

Deafened by the gun

Still carried on

What future could he see?

He stayed the course

Tapped code morse

And in the end, victory

What he needed to do

Became, for me and you

Was all for family

Honour at least

Remember for peace

Sacrifices made for we

Winds of time will blow

And we can know

The privilege to live free