The closer it gets to Remembrance Day, the more disappointed Iamwhen I see so many people who are not wearing poppies. Everybody should buy a poppy, even if you can't give much. The symbolism of so may people wearing poppies gives the message to former soldiers that we do still give a damn. .

Toast to the Fallen

Toast the defenders of our soil
Who with freedom as its shield
Saved us from those who spoil
Gained victory on the battlefield

Enough to make a mother weep
Calls for aid it’s their last breath
Slain half dead in a ghastly heap
Hear their groans in pangs of death

Mothers’ sons who were given birth
Scattered bleeding on the ground
Lie on soaked blood stained earth
Then all is quiet there is no sound

Undistinguished the horrors now
Over the hills in fading light
After the retiring sunset glow
Black is the mantle of the night

Now white stones gleam in its space
In rows down the side of a hill
For each one an empty place
In a house that’s dark and still

Grieve for heroes who have died
And we weep over a nameless grave
As nations swell with Victory Pride
Glory’s rays sweep over the brave

Beryl McMullen