A POEM BY SEUMAS GALLACHER

I am delighted to post a great poem from the highly talented Seumas Gallacher.

And with remembrance day upon us, his work is very appropriate.

Tell me, John, let me hear it once From beyond the grave wherein you lie. Tell me once, that I may know Why the Hell did you have to die?

Now that I myself am growing old As you were not allowed to do, When your country went to War, Killing them, and us, and you.

Is Humanity so bereft Of sense and sensibility? That murder dressed as War Is the tip of Man’s ability?

Yes, my dear, I understand There are times to right the wrong When Nation pits at Nation To prove which one is strong.

But feel each mother’s loss, The angst, the grief, the pain It’s no use telling them, ‘Let them not have died in vain’.

For every priceless child that’s gone, Every precious son and daughter, There can ne’er be salve enough To ease the cost of slaughter.

So, yes, let us remember, Not the glory, nor the killing, Nor the rant of politicians Sending us to do their willing.

Yes, please, Tell me, John, let me hear it once From beyond the grave wherein you lie. Tell me once, that I may know Why the Hell did you have to die?