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The Following of the Pipes

On this cold winter night
A horror unfurls
As they leave their trenches
Under the Bagpipes skirl

It's Christmas Eve
In World War One
Over the top they leave
The killing has begun

Knee deep in mud
Barbed wire and bodies
The piper laments
Their bravery embodied

To march into battle
With their weapon of pipes
Whilst bullets and bombs
Leave the theatre in strife

Onward they march
Turning men into hero's
The battle of the Somme
Last centuries ground zero
 
What makes such a man
To enter a war
His weapon of music
That they follow him for

Amongst the men that fall
Others pick up their guns
When the piper falls
Their is no one

On this cold Christmas Day
The horrors have been unfurled
As one looks over the trenches
To a different world

But the very next day
In the distance you will hear
The sound of the Scottish Bagpipes
Leaving their enemy in fear



        In memory to all who fell at Christmas time, and especially to the pipers
who used music as their weapon, we will remember them, as all will be remembered




http://www.thehighlanderspoems.com/war-5.php

Copyright © | Year Posted 2009




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Date: 12/10/2009 2:05:00 AM
This a very interesting and informative poem Mr. Fraser,..I liked it very much,...gtreat write !!! james
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Date: 12/9/2009 7:56:00 AM
Wonderful tribute James Bravo again ... when I was married I was bagpiped into the church my exhusband was scottish lol anyway ... your rememberance drew one of mine thanks for that gift ...and a beautiful in memory love Jayne
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Date: 12/8/2009 7:09:00 PM
Wonderfully written and a superb tribute!! Brought a tear to my eye as I read....powerful and such vivid imagery...awesome!!! Thanks so much for sharing and for your nice comments. Also, thanks for taking the time to read my works~Mary
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Date: 12/6/2009 2:58:00 PM
Interesting sound the sound of the pipes. Didn't know that they went into battle. Keep the informative writes rolling. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my work. Sara
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Date: 12/6/2009 12:08:00 PM
Amazing! Besides the great rhyme we have a history lesson here about the Scottish Bagpipers' role in battle! I never knew this, James! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and gift! Peace and love, Audrey
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Date: 12/6/2009 10:13:00 AM
Wonderful tribute to thes brave souls .. war and holidays has always been very tough.. one of the greatest things to be most thankful for ...to remember their sacrifices.. beautiful version from your pen James.. information is better than a History lesson in school... blessings... luv ... happy Sunday.. "Sweetheart"
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Date: 12/6/2009 8:58:00 AM
enoyed this piece og poetry... really love the musical feel also, enjoy your sunday. :)
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Book: Reflection on the Important Things