the forgotten
the fallen
the gone ones
Sing them loud
without prejudice
without rancor
with pride
Say the names of those
who could not choose
those who rose
for causes and fell
Do not sing in color
do not sing for sides
do not sing madly
sing for honor
Sing the names
fly their flags
remember them
say their names
History cannot be rewritten
nor the slate of atrocities
wiped clean
we must say their names
Allow them to live
in us in humanity
say the names
sing the truth
22 comments:
WOWZERS, Gail, this is SPECTACULAR! I love the remembering of those who rose and fell, and "do not sing for sides". I love "Say their names" and "Allow them to live in us in humanity"......this is a wonderful response to the prompt. Thank you so much. This is very inspiring and beautifully and strongly written. Way to go!
I agree with Sherry. This is an amazing poem. One of your very best, I think. The names DO need to be said loudly.
You nailed this. I am first generation Northerner. I was raised by people of the South, with Southern traditions. I grew up in the North and the South. There was never any racism or intolerance. There was deep pride in family, community, values, and God. There are deep roots. That is what my ancestors saw in this flag.
Yes I was reading about the flag on the news. It's ridiculous trying to get rid of a flag because of one indecent.
Lynne x
totally totally AWESOME! I love love love this... can you hear me clapping while i give you a standing ovation????
and this poem fits all wars before and after and in the future. today on Mersauds post about Prague, he showed a Jewish cemetery from the atrocities that happened and it hurt to look at it. they buried them 12 deep all on top. here is the link to see the photo.
the photos is half way down the list. hurts my heart and someone needs to say their names
http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2015/08/top-10-things-to-do-in-prague.html
Beautifully penned! Such a brilliant take on the prompt.
Oh Gail. This is such an elegant and powerful poem. Cannot praise it enough.
This is such a touching piece :D
Well penned :D
Lots of love,
Sanaa
Yes, say the names loud and strong.
You've got a gift for poetry Gail.
All the best Jan
Great poem! How can people deny what happened? They should learn from it! Still lots to learn, looking at what is happening in the world.
Yes indeed!
May we all "sing them loud.....with pride"...a unique take on the prompt.. brilliant...
Gail, this is a very powerful poem and the message has such depth. Let that song be heard. I think you really dug in and found what is in the heart. Wonderful!
You fight for your country because you are there, it is part of you and your are part of it. Excellent poem.
I like "say the names of those who could not chose." Good writing Gail.
Beautiful poem and lovely words. I agree we can re-write history, it is what the USA is all about. This flag business is silly to me. Have a happy day!
Yes - we must always say the names...it reminded me of the 9/11 commemorations...how very important it is to read out every name because each and every name is a person who belonged to someone and should always be remembered and honoured
A very strong poem.
Right to my heart!
Good job Gail. We really must never forget. You reflect more in your words than history books reveal. I just cannot imagine what it must have been like then. So many broken hearts. When I lived up north, I heard about it; now that I live here, I can feel it.
I agree with Sherry Blue Sky . . .
Excellent Gail.
Say the names . . .
There is power and magic in a name, Gail, and I think your poem affirms that. Speaking the names with pride and honour and love brings back the deeds and memory of the fallen. Wonderful!
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