大象传媒

There is a hill I love to stand upon
And watch the changing hues for twenty miles beyond

But in September
When corn runs golden to the hedge below
And blackberries are sun warmed on the briar
I watch the Sunday fliers twist and spiral
In the cloudless sky

Then I remember
I see myself as I was then
A child of six, knowing only war and yet
Secure and unafraid because I lived in England

Those few who died live on
And not in memory alone but in my sons
For there I plant the seeds of knowledge deep
That, which those few died for
A love of freedom, peace and tolerance for all men

So, "Johnny-head-in-air"
Sleep soft your well-earned rest
And I will stand upon that sweet September hill
And breathe the tangy autumn air for you
And gaze upon the breathless beauty of this land
Because you loved it so.

This poem was entered on The People's War Website by Stuart Ross on behalf of Ann Cordell, who fully understands the site's terms and conditions. Ann would also like to acknowledge the poem 'For Johnny' by John Pudney.

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