Thomas Mansfield Poet Elegy

Notes About The Poem

Across the UK today (4th August 2014) there is a drive to remember the first day of the First World war for the United Kingdom and its dominions. Not a day to celebrate but certainly a day to remember and pay homage to the millions fallen before, then and since then. 

Lights Out

Lights Out

One hundred years on and still the shout
“Everyone put your lights out”
Just for an hour from 10 to 11
And remember all those souls in heaven

One hundred years and still the cry
The perennial unanswered question “why?”
Is there a need in this hour of deed
For any to ignore or not to heed?

One hundred years, millions dead
In battles, wars and streets of dread
Trenches then, now car bombs blast
Tearing at families left aghast

One hundred years – again LIGHTS OUT
Not one city but the country throughout
Is this too much to ask ourselves
For those who died through bayonet and shells?

Lights out and let us honour our dead
Light a single candle in room or shed
Remember those terse words upon us yet
“Lest we Forget – lest we forget!”

August 4th 2014

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Skat A May 26, 2015 at 4:39 PM Thomas, it's a tragedy --this is a deep write an honor to read. Hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day filled with pride and togetherness. love ~SKAT!~ Thomas Mansfield May 27, 2015 at 12:24 PM Hi again SKAT. My memorial day was a day of working. I have never served in the armed forces but have many friends and colleagues who have. I do not believe that ex servicemen are given the thanks, respect or support from country or government alike, that they truly deserve. This seems to have always been the case. Have a look at Tommy Atkins by Rudyard Kipling, written in 1892! Look at the treatment of Vietnam war veterans in the States in the 60s and 70s... Look all around. We OWE these people, yet they are forgotten after they lay down their arms and march back in to "Civvy Street". This poem, among others, is my mark of respect and thanks for those who have laid down their lives for our liberty.

Country Girl48 August 20, 2014 at 10:52 AM Very true and enjoyed reading your poem Country Girl48 May 28, 2015 at 4:16 AM You're welcome Thomas Mansfield May 27, 2015 at 12:26 PM Hi there.. Sorry I did not reply sooner. I have not been around very much to allow myself the comfort of resting awhile in Poetry soup. Thank you so much for your comment. :)

Elmer Candol August 8, 2014 at 7:14 AM what a touching poem.. i like it Thomas you have a good write up..I can imagine my death in this poem..sooo touchy Thomas Mansfield August 9, 2014 at 2:42 AM Thank you Elmer. Sorry that you saw your own death in it. That was not my message. It was a mark of respect for all those who have been involved in war. This for the first world war, but wars are still ravaging the world, just not on the same scale. Lives are still being lost unnecessarily through warmongers using politics, hiding behind the cloak of religion.

Anoush Harrison-Jackson August 7, 2014 at 4:45 PM A well written poem. I like the play on "lights out". Thomas Mansfield August 9, 2014 at 2:43 AM Thanks Anoush. Lights out during both world wars was a fact of life. I am glad that I never had to be subjected to it.

James Horn August 7, 2014 at 6:27 AM They used to say Lights Out and Lights on for Admiral when Admiral was a TV set. Check that out on Google sometime. Hope all of my poems aren't starting to get to hectic and might be only copasetic. Jim Horn

Cynthia Ferguson August 7, 2014 at 5:14 AM one of the nicest ways of saying doomsday is coming I ever read, you must be calm in your storms Thomas Mansfield August 7, 2014 at 6:01 AM Hi Cynthia, Thanks for your post. Far from a doomsday message :) Quite the opposite in fact. Searching for the glimmer of hope that is peace. "Lest we forget" is a line stolen from Rudyard Kipling's "Recessional".

Margaret Franceschini August 6, 2014 at 7:36 PM I thank you for reminding us of our military that lost their lives for our lives. reminds me of the stories my Mom told me when she had to put the "lights out" in italy during an air raid. your poem has stirred memories and reminds me to remember a vet!!! Thomas Mansfield August 7, 2014 at 6:02 AM Thanks for your comment Margaret. I am a firm believer in that future generations should not forget.

Patrycjusz Kopec August 6, 2014 at 2:35 PM well written poem. Well chosen theme Thomas Mansfield August 7, 2014 at 6:03 AM Thank you for your comments. Very much appreciated :)

Bl Devnath August 6, 2014 at 11:30 AM It's not a great message only, something is asked to our present civilization to think more for the future indeed. My one of the favorite poem, my lovely friend. Loved always,bl Thomas Mansfield August 7, 2014 at 6:04 AM Thank you. If only our young and future generations WOULD listen and learn by past mistakes. :)

Paul Schneiter August 6, 2014 at 10:47 AM This message-driven poem gives readers a lot to think about, including the sad fact that senseless killing continues unabated throughout the world. That message is cast in some fine poetry. Paul Thomas Mansfield August 7, 2014 at 6:05 AM Thank you for your kind words Paul. I wish that the message continues but the violence stops... :)

J Eliza James August 6, 2014 at 8:39 AM Top Rating Thomas, for the rhythm of tramping feet throughout your tribute to all who tried to end the war of all wars. The ABPA (Australia Bush Poets Association in Australia) are remembering too. We must remember and pass the histories on. Thank you for stirring me into visiting here again, Wordancer Thomas Mansfield August 7, 2014 at 6:09 AM Thank you for your kind words, they are very much appreciated. Keep revisiting. I am quite new in here, but seem to have found a sound depository for my works. Humbles me though, when I read real poets works and wonder .... :)

Diana Burkholder August 6, 2014 at 8:33 AM Something that can never be addressed too often and by doing so, perhaps some will continue to remember. Blessings, D Thomas Mansfield August 7, 2014 at 6:17 AM Well let's perpetuate it :) Thank you for your comment.

James Horn August 6, 2014 at 8:17 AM You have a whole generation who will have a hard time trying to relate to this. Only us born in 20's, 30's and early 40's will have any understanding of this which I do. Heaven help those who help themselves has never been a try accusation to me. Try letting God lend a hand is what we all should to. Thanks for your spell-binding poem. Never hear that phrase used much lately either. James Thomas Horn, Retired Veteran DOB 26 June 1941. Thomas Mansfield August 7, 2014 at 6:23 AM Hi James, My fervent belief is keeping the message going and repeat each year my personal thanks (born in the 50s and NOT from a military background) - and what should be our thanks to all those, military or otherwise, who have sacrificed their lives to maintain peace. Many thanks for your words. They are very much appreciated.

Sasha Maharaj August 6, 2014 at 7:53 AM and beautiful poem indeed Thomas. Love it. Thomas Mansfield August 7, 2014 at 6:23 AM Hi Sasha. Sorry for taking so long to reply. I have been travelling. Many thanks for your lovely words. :)