Armistice Day

Armistice Day

A war to end all wars they said.
Millions injured, millions dead.
Mostly menfolk, women too.
Even horses, quite a few.

Off they went, full of cheer.
Left the loved ones held so dear.
Into fields of mud and mire.
Houses now rubble, a church without a spire.

Feelings changed to fear and dread.
For lying about were countless dead.
Thoughts of wives and mothers came.
Longing to see them and speak their name.

Armistice Day – finally here.
No more terror – no more fear.
Mother, wives, sweethearts too.
Hear war is over – hope it is true.

Home again with much to forget.
Flashbacks of terror with love are met.
How peaceful the garden – green grass and flowers.
Help steady the mind with calming powers.

Each day is quiet, no bullets fly by.
All happy people under blue sky.
After the carnage, it seems like heaven.
At a quaint house in Lindau and a cottage in Devon.

by Dennis H Le Moignan