“On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, we will remember them.”
Vincent van Gogh – Poppy field – Google Art Project, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In Flanders Fields
BY JOHN MCCRAE
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.
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17 thoughts on “Vincent Van Gogh: Poppy Field”
A fabulous painting. It goes so well with the poem.
This is one of the poems I can recite by heart. The list is not long, but Flanders Fields is on it.
Thank you, Resa, for joining me in reciting Flanders Fields. It is a difficult poem to recite because of its evocative symbolism of red poppies and the thoughts of transition between the struggle for life and the peace that follows. I had to retake this a couple of times. Sending hugs!
Thank you for posting and sharing this beautiful poem. I remember these meaningful words from many years ago while I was in lower grades in a country school. Tears often gathered in our eyes as our teacher discussed the words and the experiences of many of our friends who were serving in the Second World War. A friend of ours was serving overseas and this made the poem even more important. And, sadly, we lost some of our dear friends in the war, making this poem’s words ever more poignant.
Thank you for your heartening comments, Frances. I know exactly what you mean. I had to stop a couple of times because I started to cry when I read the words.
What a marvelous combination, Rebecca. I wonder if I could replicate this painting with fondant and cake? Hmmm! You have the best inspirations, Rebecca.
I agree wholeheartedly , Colleen. Poetry reminds us of the futility of war even as it allows us to see the beauty of nature that surrounds us. We are given a choice.
ChasingART 
A fabulous painting. It goes so well with the poem.
This is one of the poems I can recite by heart. The list is not long, but Flanders Fields is on it.
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Thank you, Resa, for joining me in reciting Flanders Fields. It is a difficult poem to recite because of its evocative symbolism of red poppies and the thoughts of transition between the struggle for life and the peace that follows. I had to retake this a couple of times. Sending hugs!
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HUGS!!!!!
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Thank you for posting and sharing this beautiful poem. I remember these meaningful words from many years ago while I was in lower grades in a country school. Tears often gathered in our eyes as our teacher discussed the words and the experiences of many of our friends who were serving in the Second World War. A friend of ours was serving overseas and this made the poem even more important. And, sadly, we lost some of our dear friends in the war, making this poem’s words ever more poignant.
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Thank you for your heartening comments, Frances. I know exactly what you mean. I had to stop a couple of times because I started to cry when I read the words.
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What a marvelous combination, Rebecca. I wonder if I could replicate this painting with fondant and cake? Hmmm! You have the best inspirations, Rebecca.
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I love our conversations, Robbie. We are on a grand adventure – together.
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I never fail to be moved by this poem. A fitting choice for today.
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You will notice that I had to break in the middle. It is very difficult to recite this poem without breaking down. Sending hugs!
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Very understandable.
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Bless our Veterans from every country! 💜
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How very well said, Colleen!
I am familiar with the War Poets but your influence has led me to look at how Haiku responds to conflict. This is what I found.
young men march away —
the mountain greenness
is at its peak
Santōka Taneda (1882 – 1940) tr John Stevens
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And think about the centuries of warriors… Whew. That goodness for the beauty of poetry to take away the horrors of war.
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I agree wholeheartedly , Colleen. Poetry reminds us of the futility of war even as it allows us to see the beauty of nature that surrounds us. We are given a choice.
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It’s all about power and control, isn’t it? Humans have always struggled with those issues.
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And will continue, to do so, Colleen. Thank goodness for poetry.
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Music, art, poetry, and writing make the world a better place. 💜
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