I was asked to write a poem for the remembrance ceremony that took place on 11th November 2009 at 11.00am in my local community and this is what I wrote - a poem in honour of those who have fought and lost their lives in the wars that have scarred and continue to scar our planet.



Today we remember,
today we show respect,
honouring those who've fallen,
the brave, courageous dead.
My heart bleeds for their sacrifice,
for the families who've cried,
for the pain and hurt
when their precious loved ones died.

How many more victims must there be
before the heartache and fighting can stop?
Before families lose the fear
of being wrenched apart
and children can enjoy every day
because human lives are no longer lost?

The wars continue,
the fighting lives on,
but my hope is for a future
where such things will have ceased
and all of mankind can finally live
in unity and peace.

Copyright © Helena Harper