The Argus Dispatch did a good job today on behalf of veterans. Among the various stories and features was a masthead editorial which featured two poems: In Flanders Field by Lt. Col. John McCrae, and America’s Answer by R. W. Lillard. I regret to say that too often I have tended to tune poetry out, or not to give it a chance to resonate as intended. If the first stanzas are misjudged, then the rest of my reading may be perfunctory with little understanding.
I regret to say that as a high school student, In Flander’s Fields was no exception. I am further embarrassed to admit that my impression, probably instilled initially by a somber melancholy reader, I mistook as the import of the poem. Rather, the poem builds to a stirring patriotic statement and should be intoned with determination as it progresses. Read more about Colonel McCrae, a Canadian patriot, physician and war fighter, and his iconic poem here.
McCrae’s poem engendered “answers” not challenges, but follow-ups. The worthy contemporaneous one that the Argus picked, by R. W. Lillard, is set forth below as well.
In Flanders Field by Lt Col John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. America's Answer, by R. W. Lillard Rest ye in peace, ye Flanders dead The fight that you so bravely led We've taken up. And we will keep True faith with you who lie asleep, With each a cross to mark his bed, And poppies blowing overhed, When once his own life-blood ran red So let your rest be sweet and deep In Flanders fields. Fear not that ye have died for naught; The torch ye threw to us we caught, Ten million hands will hold it high, And freedom's light shall never die! We've learned the lesson that ye taught In Flanders' fields.
