Well, there were four that fell
On Remembrance Day
As all across Britain
An old armistice was recalled with paper poppies.
And there were more who died
On Remembrance Day
With marching bands passing
And newly wrought wreaths displaying old grief on cold stones.
Note: there’s a war still on
As Remembrance Day
Becomes an occasion
To ready the words of Wilfred Owen for broadcast.
Hear! There are gunshots now
That Remembrance Day
Is gone until next year
While coffins will keep telling time like grandfather clocks.
Mind that the dead come back
On Remembrance Day,
Effects and bones sent home
To force us face that what has come to pass is not past.
Harry Heuser 