(A poem I wrote on seeing a young couple and their child playing, seemingly obliviously, in the shadow of a war memorial on a summer’s day. I imagined the ghost of one of those named on the memorial enviously watching them, yearning for that family life that they themselves had been so tragically denied by war. The poem “Passing Stranger” was what I imagined the ghost would say. Especially poignant now with the situation in Ukraine, but sadly the words could be carved on a universal memorial, in all cities, at any time, and always be relevant. Profit from any sales will also help me to support one of my brothers, ex Royal Artillery and now in poor health and daily pain. The poem was worded so as to speak for the lost of all sides, friend and foe, military and civilian, of all countries. The ones who have no love of war, but who must die as the result of the ambitions and madness of narcissistic egomaniacs. Why DO we allow such people to wield such power? )
Passing Stranger……..Dancing Child…..
Here, in our shadow….
rest
for a while.
You wont know me
yet heed me well….
mine was a story.
pray you’ll
never tell..
scripted by many hands…
but ended
alone.
Written in blood…
carved
in stone….
Passing Stranger.., Dancing Child….
here, in our shadow…
light up your smile!
Your lips ..softly…
voice
our names…
and there,
in your whispering…
we live
again
See us all….
marching still…
line
after line…
Please..
to remember us…
from Time
to
Time.
© Steve O’Kane All rights reserved
Released February 14, 2023
Steve O’Kane: Lyrics, Guitar, Bass, Tambourine, Harmonica, outro lead break., Main and backing vocal. . Fiona McBain: Harmony and whisper. Dave Jackson: Drums/percussion.
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