Coquelicots

In Flander's Fields originated in remembrance of lives sacrificed in World War I, a Month 10 topic. In three days, on June 6, we'll remember the lives sacrificed on Normandy Beach in WWII. This poem reminds us of the sacrifices of all who have given their lives for others--and what we owe them.

In Flanders Fields

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.

---John McCrae

Art credit: Coquelicots by Robert Vonnoh