The Promise…
(World War One memorial at Guillemont, northern France…)
Purity, a filthy war cleansed, white marble, hope.
Puttees tight around calves, greatcoat purged
Of mud and blood, displaying no dishevelment.
Gravity, the reaching skyward of a wreath, hope,
Honour and salvation for the fallen thus urged,
Rifle held surreptitiously, yet primed for engagement…
Pete Ray
18th July 2025…
I visited Guillemont in 2012, when I took the images which accompany my words…
Fighting around Guillemont took place at the end of July 1916, one part of the gruelling Somme theatre of war…
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