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Poetry Magnum Opus

A Soldier's Song


Benjamin

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I remember a time like the mellow vintage wine

with the warmth of my friends all around

Where the laughter flowed so free

and good fortune favoured me

And the world was a little country town

But the pipes and drums held sway

with the music of the day

And the folding of the flag seemed far away

 

I still see them dancing by and a tear comes to my eye

as I think of all those hopeful carefree hearts

For the wheel of life turned round

to create a different sound

as each one of them was lost to foreign parts

And the pipes and drums held sway

as the music of the day

With the folding of the flag not far away

 

Now there doesn't seem to be many good things facing me

for old age is an unforgiving place

And in a long lost while

I've forgotten how to smile

as the years have left their lines upon my face

Yet pipes and drums still play

a fresh music of the day

And the folding of the flag's not far away

 

But in my heart there's still a time like the mellow vintage wine

where the laughter of my friends will never die

And though good times may be few

my fond memories see me through

To when we'll dance once more together, you and I

And the pipes and drums can play

while the loved ones softly pray

And the folding of my flag takes up the day

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Is there a wee bit o' the Irish in you, Geoff? This captured and held, leaving me sad but glad to have the pleasure of being a guest student. A work I envy.

Paco

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I wrote these words (untitled) for a friend some years ago to fit a traditional Irish tune "The Curragh Of Kildare". I'd played music at many Irish clubs, weddings and for traditional dancers for a number of years; I was always awed by the respect they showed when we played their national anthem at the end of venues. The title as a poem however, was meant to add a rather more universal aspect. Best wishes for the new year. G.

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Really liked the progression of the last line in each stanza. Ties the whole thing together.

 

The last 2 books I have read were by Sigfried Sassoon, as is the current one on my PC in PDF. Very timely to have read yours. :)

 

Musical piece, indeed.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Thanks to all for your comments.

Juris: I recall a traditional wake I was invited to in 1973 where a much loved bearded philanthropist, was propped upright in his coffin to 'view' the celebration of his life. An image that remains with me... I doubt he would have been disappointed. G. :smile:

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A well-crafted work that comes full circle, but for me the draw is in the youth of the first verse Where the laughter flowed so free/and good fortune favoured me and the folding of the flag seemed far away. Interesting choice of word in "seemed" as opposed to "was."

 

!!!

... I recall a traditional wake I was invited to in 1973 where a much loved bearded philanthropist, was propped upright in his coffin to 'view' the celebration of his life ...

!!!

I remember in high school when a few guys died for whatever reason (drug overdose, etc.) the deceased would be dressed in his everyday wear: concert t-shirt, leather vest, and blue jeans. Mourners would place things that were near and dear to him (cigarettes, nip bottles, etc.) in his casket and shirt pocket, but I couldn't even imagine propped up!

Tony

Here is a link to an index of my works on this site: tonyv's Member Archive topic

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