Sweet be your rest, O, glorious dead!
May peace eternal o’er you shed
Her benediction of repose
After war’s cruel hateful blows!
You triumph still beyond the grave
With all immortal spirits brave!
No earthly comfort held you back,
No skill or courage did you lack,
No thought of pain, or mortal fear,
Nor love of those you hold most dear
Could shake your British loyalty;
You wish to guard and keep us free!
When war demanded sacrifice
You freely paid the awful price
You gave your health, your strength, your all,
You faltered not at death’s grim call!
And now a higher life you share
Reserved for those who do and dare.
To you who died that we might live
Our grateful homage we would give
And your ideals we would revive
That love and unity may thrive!
As gems in Britain’s coronet
Your deeds of valour now are set!
Alas, the fruits of victory won
Are withering ‘neath the scorching sun
Of inward discontent and greed,
Of pressing poverty and need;
Oh shame that we should render vain
The peace you died for us to gain.
O, glorious dead, no grave could hold
Such dauntless heroes true and bold!
No monument, nor scroll of fame
Could add more honour to your name!
Watch o’er and help us lest we be
Unworthy of our God and thee!
Florence Clee 1916
lovingly dedicated to Private Bernard Bartley who died from wounds
Aw, your Aunt Florence has written heartfelt poems and you were so lucky to have found them and shared it with us…
Thank you for sharing it with us here.
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Very touching indeed. Thanks for sharing.
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A beautiful poem dedicated to the hero fighting for freedom. Thousands of nameless people are buried in graves. They have no monuments, but live in the memory of loved ones and loved ones.
I sent my regards
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A wonderful tribute – to those of any war who gave so much.
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Wonderful poem Kate.
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A befitting one indeed!
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This is such a a moving tribute.
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A wonderful poem excellently crafted and a deeply poignantly important truth. Very well done.
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It’s not mine, I’m sharing my great aunt’s poetry one by one … thanks!
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War is such a waste, it seems,
of human life and shattered dreams,
and more’s the pity, those who die must
pay the price for others’ bloated power lust.
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Marvelous and a wonderful poem, Kate.
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Immortal verse, Kate. Indeed, did your aunt realize her thoughts, once released, would have such an effect on readers over a century later? In fact, they’ll carry an equal charge a century hence. Now, that’s talent.
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What a tribute ❤ ❤ I absolutely love it.
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Very nice last two lines.
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Beautiful, poignant tribute. I love reading your Aunt’s writing. Thank you for sharing her with us. I hope somehow, some way, she can know her words have lived beyond her and are touching and helping so many of us today.
(((HUGS))) 🙂
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Very impressive! I love the sentiments expressed.
And this line…
And now a higher life you share
Reserved for those who do and dare.
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Thank you for sharing this gem, Kate. We take for granted the freedom that took so many lives. Very timely share.
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Wonderful post. Hope we all act this brave in these times of need. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece with us.
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my pleasure, our hardships seem insignificant compared to what defence personal undergo …
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I could not agree more on this. Even if we perform a little portion of it, we would be doing a lot for others as well.
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Your aunt is a powerful writer. Poetry gives poets immortality. This one shines like a flag flying in the sun.
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War is vain and massages the ego of hatred, bringing poverty to the world. A gem of poetry touching on the futility of war and reaffirming belief in humanity.
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