SANDY'S CORNER

Wanganui Chronicle, 21 April 1950, Page 4

SANDY'S CORNER

IN FLANDERS FIELDS. Dear “Sandy,”—There is a great deal of confusion as to the origin of the poem which has given rise to Poppy Day. Some publications hold that it is of American origin. Is it American, or is it British?”—Yours, “Ypres.” It was written by a Canadian, Colonel John Mcßae, a medical officer, during 1915. He wrote the verses in pencil near Poperhinge. They have since found their way all over the world. He died of wounds and was buried in the communal cemetery at Wimmereaux. Here are the verses he wrote; In Flanders Fields the poppies bloWi Between the crosses, row on row, Thai mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, ftp Scarce heard amid the guns below. IVe are the Dead. Short days ago 11 c lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow. Loved and were loved, and now we Le In Flanders Fields. Talfc up our quarrel with the foe; To you from failing hands we throw Ihe torch; be yours to hold it high. If yc break faith with us who die lb e shall not sleep, though the poppies grow In Flanders Fields. In an article Ragner. In “The New York \ mies Magazine.” he writes regarding these epic verses: "... They printed and reprinted it: ("In Flanders Fields"* certainly no other war poem has been published so frequently, and recited so often. Further, it deserves such popularity; from the standpoint of form and substance. It is a perfect job. It is remarkable for the grace of its diction, and the beauty of its thought. Every word is clear, simple, and pure Anglo-Sa x n. The rhythm is extraordinary; there are only two rhymes— I and (9 but they suffice. Most gripping of all, however, are the abrupt and startling contrasts between joy .and sorrow life and death, the red poppies (symbols of sleep) and the hero dead who will be sleepless unless the survivors remain faithful to the sccred cause for which they died.’’ Today is Poppy Day!