In Flanders Fields
"In Flanders Fields" is one of the most famous poems about
World War I. It was written by Canadian physician
John McCrae, who died of
pneumonia and
meningitis while serving in a field hospital in
Belgium. The
poppies referred to in the poem grew in profusion in fields where war casualties had been buried; they became a symbol of
Remembrance Day. The poem is part of Remembrance Day solemnities across
Canada. It reads:
- In Flanders fields the poppies blow
- Between the crosses, row on row,
- That mark our place; and in the sky
- The larks, still bravely singing, fly
- Scarce heard amid the guns below.
- We are the Dead. Short days ago
- We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
- Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
- In Flanders fields.
- Take up our quarrel with the foe:
- To you from failing hands we throw
- The torch; be yours to hold it high.
- If ye break faith with us who die
- We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
- In Flanders fields.
A portion of the poem is now printed on the new
Canadian $10 notes.
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