The poem hereunder describes the true realities for those forced to go to war to protect their country. The poem tells of the suicide of a young man sent off to war, while attacking the often “smug-faced crowds” who group together to greet returning soldiers.
Siegfried Loraine Sassoon
The poem is by English war poet, writer, and soldier, Siegfried Loraine Sassoon, (1886 – 1967); [Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, (CBE); Military Cross(MC)July 27th 1916].
“Suicide In The Trenches”
I knew a simple soldier boy, Who grinned at life in empty joy, Slept soundly through the lonesome dark, And whistled early with the lark. In winter trenches, cowed* and glum, With crumps* and lice and lack of rum, He put a bullet through his brain. No one spoke of him again. You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye Who cheer when soldier lads march by, Sneak home and pray you’ll never know, The hell where youth and laughter go.
END.
*Cowed – Frightened. * Crumps – Loud thudding sounds made by exploding bombs or by detonating shell fire.
You bought it yourself on our holidays The two piece playsuit in navy and white, Quite fashionable for the time, On that warm and sunny afternoon, With Mam and Mary and Deirdre, In Shaws, the shop in Dungarvan. Oh, but you looked, quite suddenly, back then, More than a little girl. Time casts spells, And you proud-strode in it, beautiful and happy, With Deirdre your cousin from Killiney. I had always thought of my mother In a bright new summer dress, Printed and floral and clean, As the sun on a Sunday, lazily stole, Through the window of our summer kitchen, When I was a boy and innocent, And joy seemed an ever thing. And so you too, daughter of my heart. Parading with your flair in the sunshine, Will mayhap too recall, To the last lovely day on earth A dress of an idyllic time, Bought in a shop on a long lost summer, On that day of our joy in Dungarvan.
END.
Tom Ryan, “Iona”, Rahealty, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Vocals: Bonnie Tyler(Latter born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen, Wales, known for her wonderful distinctive husky voice). OriginalLyrics: Dan Hill. Music: Barry Mann.
Dan Hill was inspired to write this beautiful song, after being in love with someone who did not have similar feelings to himself; in the hope same would capture her and win her over.
Sometimes When We Touch.
You ask me if I love you. I choke on my reply. I’d rather hurt you honestly, Than mislead you with a lie. And who am I to judge you, On what you say or do? When I’m only just beginning, To see the real you.
And sometimes when we touch, The honesty’s too much, And I have to close my eyes and hide. I wanna hold you ’til I die, ‘Til we both break down and cry. I wanna hold you, ‘Til the fear in me subsides.
Romance with all its strategy, Leaves me battling with my pride. And through the insecurity, Some tenderness survives. I’m just another writer, Still trapped within my truth. A hesitant prize fighter, Still trapped within his youth.
And sometimes when we touch, The honesty’s too much, Then I have to close my eyes and hide. I wanna hold you ’til I die, ‘Til we both break down and cry. I wanna hold you, ‘Til the fear in me subsides.
Oh at times I’d want to break you, And drive you to your knees. At times I want to break through, And hold you endlessly.
And sometimes when we touch, The honesty’s too much, And I have to close my eyes and hide. Yes I wanna hold you ’til I die, ‘Til we both break down and cry. I wanna hold you, ‘Til the fear in me subsides.
Vocals: Crystal Gayle. Composers: Jill Jackson & Sy Miller.
This song is performed worldwide throughout the year, and particularly during the Christmas season. It is included in the hymnals of a variety of Christian denominations. It is also sung by those not connected with religious or spiritual matters. Keeping in mind an extract from the prayer Desiderata (“Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.”) the words “God as our Father” is replaced with “Earth as our Mother” and “Father”is replaced with“creator”. The words “brother” is replaced with “family”or “each other”.
Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, The peace that was meant to be. With God as our father, Brothers all are we. Let me walk with my brother, In perfect harmony. Let peace began with me. Let this be the moment now. With every step I take, Let this be my solemn vow. To take each moment, And live each moment in peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth, And let it began with me. Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, The peace that was meant to be. To take each moment, And live each moment in peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth, And let it began with me.
Lyrics by Scottish musician, songwriter, and record producer Donovan Phillips Leitch who has made Ireland his home for almost 40 years.
In memory of the days when real meaningful lyrics were written.
In the chilly hours and minutes of uncertainty, I want to be in the warm hold of your loving mind, To feel you all around me, And to take your hand along the sand. Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind.
When sundown pales the sky, I want to hide a while behind your smile, And everywhere I’d look, your eyes I’d find. For me to love you now, would be the sweetest thing. T’would make me sing. Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind.
When rain has hung the leaves with tears, I want you near, to kill my fears. To help me to leave all my blues behind. For standing in your heart is where I want to be, And long to be. Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind.
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