These Brave Hearts

by Candice James, Poet Laureate
(New Westminster, BC Canada)

Courageously they marched forth into Hell
Amidst the gunfire, mortar shells, and death;
The brave hearts left there where their bodies fell
What name was on their lips at their last breath?
They have our admiration and respect
These architects of freedom; heroes all,
As teardrops fall old memories reflect
The brave young hearts that answered duty’s call.
They gave their lives to keep the hounds at bay,
These saviors still remembered through the years.
A somber day, this day, Remembrance Day;
A day of courage, sacrifice and tears.

To these brave hearts we owe an unpaid debt;
The blood red poppy worn, “Lest We Forget”.



These Brave Hearts
© 2011 Candice James, Poet Laureate
Commissioned poem for Remembrance Day Ceremonies 2011