David Smith Poet Didactic

Anzacs of the Future

I watch them on parade,
Wearing medals won by relatives long dead
And poppies hand made.

I see expressions as cold as the grave,
As they remember the brave who fought in wars moving further away each day, 
As they fade back, ever back into the mists of time.

This young generation from our great nation
Standing tall, marking their respect as best they can
With little knowledge and even less understanding of past deeds and sacrifices.

For them I have great despair if they should ever go to war,
With less discipline than those who went before
Relying on group decisions, never having been under a chain of command.

Their immune system already shot to pieces. 
Fitness levels below par
And feet that have never seen boots.

Yet it may not be too late to change their fate,
While relative peace still prevails.
And only professionals are relied on to go to war in a few hot spots.

If we can ease them into a plan with enough discipline to help, 
Whether in peace or in war to bring them back safe
And keep faith with those who once stood in their place.

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Robert J Moore September 9, 2016 at 7:37 AM Very good David, we have to believe people will rise to the challenges, I guess my grandfather worried how the next generation would grow after WW1, but my dads generation rose to WW2, he used to look at me and my mates, and say, look at you lot, why should England tremble lol, but we managed OK Bob

Teddy Kimathi July 15, 2016 at 4:57 AM Congrats David, for your placement in the contest!! ;-) David Smith July 15, 2016 at 5:50 AM Thank you Teddy. Never did military service. Conscription ceased here in NZ, year I was up for Ballot. My parents did teach me discipline mostly though making sure I got on and did not shirk my responsibilities. So I could enjoy good moments in life. Freedom has a price unfortunately. Going into committee even in peace time only works when lives are not at risk. David from NZ

Carrie Richards July 14, 2016 at 2:32 PM I have often watched them parade.., but as you said so well, none of us can have the knowledge of past deeds and sacrifice that was paid for us, by those who have been to war. What a moving poem this is. Well done, David. David Smith July 14, 2016 at 5:29 PM Thank you Carrie for taking the time to read it. Conscription ceased here in NZ ended in 72 when when I was up for ballot. At least some of the young ones do come on parade. It takes discipline to get up early and make the effort I suppose. I know without discipline life is that much harder. If we think to much about about the hard things we end up not doing them. My mother taught me that sometimes you just have to do things you would rather not to get to the good times. Thanks again David from NZ

Becca Teagan July 13, 2016 at 8:07 PM David.. this poem caught me off-guard, because of the creative take on the theme, and the form choice! You really captured the feelings of concern for the next generation. Well done! Congratulations on your win in my contest. David Smith July 13, 2016 at 8:42 PM Thank you so much. Both for choosing it and for challenging me to enter your contest. I am passionate about the subject. Also my Book "Suffer the little children" is on soup classifieds. Sample chapter on link. Fondest regards David in NZ

Viv Wigley July 11, 2016 at 7:16 AM Indeed, Dave, will the bond with their brothers in arms now gone hold firm? I did a battlefield tour of the Somme recently, and the past bites at your feet. We must remember them. A fine write, well done. Regards, Viv David Smith July 11, 2016 at 9:00 AM Thanks for that support Viv. Peter Jackson (movie director) helped get display/memorial set up in Wellington. Lots of interest. We can only hope interest will keep up. Regards David in NZ