The White Cliffs of Dover

Vera Lynn's, "There'll Be Bluebirds Over, The White Cliffs Of Dover",
Keeps streaming through my brain like a wafting zephyr over and over!
'Tis a poignant reminder of sad and cheerless days during World War Two,
Yet, the Cliffs themselves were a beacon of hope when things were looking blue.

What a beautiful sight for weary bomber crews returning from flak-filled skies!
Seeing those venerable Cliffs, thanking God for their safe return with joyous cries!
Brave young men would live another day to carry on the battle with wings of flight;
On the 'morrow some to live, some to die to rid the world of tyranny's blight!

Royal Air Force pilots clashed in battle o'er the Cliffs - so very few, the very brave,
Defending Britain's shores as enemy planes flew from France in wave after wave!
Alas, many forfeited their lives on The Altar of Honor defending precious liberty.
They placed national destiny above their own that their countrymen might live free.

On a clear day the Cliffs could be seen gleaming from across the Dover Straits.
'Twas surely a beacon of hope for those across the sea facing uncertain fates.
They placed their hope in God praying that their comrades from across the way,
Would come to carry the Torch of Freedom to their shores one glorious day!

The magnificent South Foreland Lighthouse above the Cliffs today stands tall,
And brave men lie in hallowed graves awaiting Gabriel's clarion bugle call.
And Vera Lynn's "There'll Be Bluebirds Over, The White Cliffs Of Dover",
Yet streams through my brain like a wafting zephyr over and over and over!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

Copyright © | Year Posted 2010



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Date: 9/6/2010 1:24:00 PM
sad, bitter sweet memories of war. I was at Dover Castle and missed Churchill's war room. Englands cliffs are a magesty all their own! Light & Love (and please comment on my blog?)
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Date: 8/25/2010 9:34:00 PM
You have so many many wonderful experiences in your life to draw from, as illustrated by poems like this. Luv, Andrea
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Date: 8/21/2010 7:36:00 AM
Just remembered Kate Smith would sing this song. God Bless, Cile
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Date: 8/21/2010 7:35:00 AM
Magnificent, Bob. I was to young to know the scene but do know the song yet. Here when I take the side road and go up this one hill as I start down the other side I start to sing "OFF WE GO INTO THE WILD BLUE YONDER". I just stopped and sang it now. My uncle was a pilot. This war is deep in my mind and memories. We were on the South Dakota plains during the other wars. And not really involved personally. Beautiful poem, God Blesss, Cile
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Date: 8/20/2010 4:21:00 PM
beautiful cliffs!!
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Date: 8/20/2010 2:02:00 PM
Beautiful remembrance, Bob. Great tribute. Nice going. Ralph
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Date: 8/20/2010 8:16:00 AM
Excellent poem, Bob. I never knew the peace returning soldiers felt when they viewed the White Cliffs of Dover. Only saw them once in the Kevin Costner Robin Hood movie, but the memory of their beauty lives on. I can see why it and the song brought comfort to the war heroes. God bless you for your service to our country, dear. Love, Carolyn
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Date: 8/19/2010 8:44:00 PM
Robert, I would count this as a Masterpiece in the poetry world. It is brilliantly written and captures the heart and soul of those who served, and those who waited with prayers on their lips. Bravo! My friend....Bravo! Into my fav's.
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Date: 8/19/2010 8:34:00 PM
To see them is on my bucket list. You made my day with this one. BG
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