Tuesday, 8 November 2011

100 word challenge for grown ups week 18

This week's challenge was the prompt...lest we forget.

I was lucky to go to see War Horse during the summer holiday.http://warhorselondon.nationaltheatre.org.uk/
It was one of the most moving theatre productions I have ever seen. Stunning performances, breathtaking puppetry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7u6N-cSWtY

My Grandfathers fought in the second World War. My admiration for the courage shown by men and women who have represented , and  continue to represent our country is immeasurable.
 I listened to Jeremy Vine's show yesterday, the songs my son loved, http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b016vx7v   and was moved to tears by the strength and courage shown by the family of the young man who died in Afghanistan.

My entry this week is my tribute to the soldiers.



Sons, husbands, friends, lovers,
Grandsons, partners, nephews ,brothers,
Cousins, uncles, mates, strangers.
For our future put themselves in mortal danger.
***
 11.11.18
“What do we do sir?” croaked George as he lay wounded. Blood and mud mingled, the putrid stench of death filled the air. 
His officer stared silently. All around men lay dead or dying. 
 “Sir?” How old was the lad? 17?  He was one of the lucky ones.
“We go home, lad. We go home.”
***
16 million men, 1 million horses.
Died for us, for the lives we lead now.
11.11.11.
Wear a poppy with pride...lest we forget.


Read the others at http://jfb57.wordpress.com/2011/11/07/100-word-challenge-for-grown-ups-week-18/

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20 comments:

  1. Sally-Jayne8 November 2011 at 02:53

    This is a really moving piece and I love the way you have written it in 3 parts. It's like a symphony in 3 movements - each part tells an individual story and yet adds up to a very satisfying whole. You are one very talented lady.

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  2. Anna8 November 2011 at 03:01

    Thank you Sally-Jayne. I wasn't sure which way to approach; hence the 3 parts. I am exhausted after reading all the others; such moving and emotive writing. I am speechless.

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  3. MIdlife Singlemum8 November 2011 at 09:11

    16 million - what a waste. And in the end they all went home, as you said. I think WW1 more than WW11 was full of young ment from both sides who weren't sure what it was all about and why they were fighting. How very sad and I will definitely wear my poppy with pride.

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  4. Unknown8 November 2011 at 10:37

    Anna, I repeat, your writing just gets better. A superb response to the prompt. I sit in silence...

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  5. Anonymous8 November 2011 at 10:44

    another inspiring and moving piece! I am still at a loss :-)

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  6. Dughall McCormick8 November 2011 at 13:03

    A difficult subject tackled with sensitivity and feeling.

    I agree with Sally-Jayne. Your 'triptych' is particularly effective.

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  7. Anna8 November 2011 at 13:48

    Taochild, have just read your two posts...fabulous. Thanks Alison, thought yours was a wonderful mix of past and present. War horse really showed me how many young men went to war with no idea of what to do.Tragic.

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  8. Anna8 November 2011 at 13:49

    Thanks Dughall. This prompt has produced some deeply moving pieces. Respect in its true meaning.

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  9. Bargain Decorating with Laurie8 November 2011 at 19:20

    A beautiful tribute to the brave men and women who deserve such. Well done! laurie @
    http://dealingwithmyinnercritic.blogspot.com/

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  10. Anonymous10 November 2011 at 05:54

    Love the way that numbers figure differently in each of the three parts.

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  11. Julie Goucher10 November 2011 at 09:30

    Very, very moving.

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  12. Anonymous10 November 2011 at 20:51

    Another moving entry. I've found so many this week that I feel unequal to the task of commenting.

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  13. Anna11 November 2011 at 10:13

    Thanks for those comments; I have been away with my class on a residential.
    The way the children responded to today's 2 minute silence was very moving. Even away on a residential they wanted to observe the 2 minute silence and wear their poppies (Y4 and 5) Superstars.

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  14. Susan Mann11 November 2011 at 14:00

    These is excellent, very moving and well written. Very appropriate piece. I love the layout. x

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  15. Anna12 November 2011 at 03:12

    Thanks Susan. I loved your interpretation of the prompt.

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  16. William Dameron12 November 2011 at 06:02

    I too really like the structure of your piece. the words and numbers are amazing and numbing.

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  17. Anna12 November 2011 at 07:51

    Thank you Bill. The numbers of causalities are almost inconceivable.

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  18. jfb5713 November 2011 at 09:57

    Those numbers are too big to contemplate aren't they? Thank you for putting it all into context Anna & we must never forget.

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  19. Anonymous13 November 2011 at 13:06

    Moving . . .
    War is so horrific . . . Well written!
    Remembering relatives too. GSussex

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  20. Anna13 November 2011 at 13:45

    Thank you for your comments. Looking forward to the next challengenow.

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