The National Debt

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Saw a single poppy in the field when walking the dog this morning. It was like a scar, a wound , set against the lush green background of the rising sap of summer. Got me thinking that 2018 marks 100 years since the cessation of world war 1 . I know it’s not the eleventh hour of the eleventh month but I penned this in memory of, and gratitude to, the men and women whose enormous sacrifice earned us the freedom which is the bedrock of our democracy today :

No mind was ever meant to bear That torment, pain and sorrow. In that cacophony of hell, Their lives forged our tomorrow. Called to duty, through their service, Through their sacrifice and loss, The foundations for our future Were fashioned from their cross. Far beyond the bounds of nature Their mortal frames were tested In bloodied, flea ridden trenches Their fractured bodies rested. Those bodies now, in foreign lands Beneath fields of marble crosses Bear testament to sacrifice And countless wartime losses. May future generations That break upon the shore, Not forget the pains they suffered Nor the mental scars of war. Look upon the scarlet poppy, See the blood amongst the wheat Know the quantum of their sacrifice Times passage won’t deplete To those that gave their future We all owe this National Debt The terms are very simple Just that we must not forget. .

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Line Gauthier

Date: 2/8/2021 7:56:00 PM

Great to find this awesome tribute published in the 2020 PS Anthology, Mike ~

Mike Miller
Date: 8/13/2021 1:05:00 AM

Thank you Line. This is one of the favourite poems I have written and took me a long time to write so I was very pleased too it was accepted for the anthology.

Artsieladie Sharon Donnelly

Date: 6/6/2018 6:35:00 AM

The sacrifices made for our rights & freedoms is a debt we Americans can never repay but at the very least we can honour & give tribute to those who gave all by being a united people, to keep our power strong to make sure our rights & freedoms are never taken away by greedy, self & elitist serving politicians. Several of my family served. My Uncle Frankie was killed in WWII. Mike, you've depicted well the surrealism of the sacrifices many made for us. Congrats on being featured. :) ~ Artsie

Artsieladie Sharon Donnelly
Date: 6/6/2018 8:58:00 AM

Absolutely, Mike. :)

Mike Miller
Date: 6/6/2018 8:06:00 AM

Thank you Artsie. I completely agree with all your comments. The courage and selfless sacrifice of all those who fought to preserve our freedom and democracy can and should never be undermined by self serving politicians. The National Debt we can never repay but the National Treasure of freedom is something we must cherish, value and protect.