Musings
German Cemetery
Come with me to a quiet beauty spot
On Cannock Chase, not far from where I live.
I wasn’t born here, but it’s where I’ll end my days.
My place of birth: a hunting-lodge in Ireland,
My final resting-place: ex- hunting-ground of kings.
Enter here and read the names of those
Who, in two World Wars, perished far from home.
Tread softly, pondering long and hard
On conflicts past that separated them from us.
Now they rest in peace with fellow-countrymen.
Gentle breezes whisper through the trees.
While twittering birds flit from branch to branch.
The flowers in bloom were brought in loving memory.
Each headstone cleaned shows name and rank
And dates of birth and death, and where he died.
Before you leave, record your thoughts.
A Book of Remembrance lies open on the table.
Forget that those sleeping now in peace
Had come to devastate - but died instead.
Remember, friend, how futile all wars are.
