Like many, I was very moved to read Rob's poem, and at a loss as to how to respond. I'm not sure that the following goes with it, which is why I have started a new thread, but it is meant as a very respectful and grateful response to Rob's writing.
CC
It's Not Just The Thought That Counts
There are candles in the chancel, you can light one for a penny,
In memory of those who died, in case you know of any,
Or you’re feeling vaguely grateful, or it’s just what people do,
And the flames are warm and pretty, and thank God it wasn’t you.
There are flowers in the graveyard, buying flowers is such fun,
But they wilt and die so suddenly beneath the graveyard sun,
And it’s such a pain to get there, and it’s not as if he knows,
And you can’t put flowers by all the stones in endless silent rows.
There are men and women living who are neither flame nor stone,
And they fight a second battle now, forgotten and alone.
When we called for them, they answered, with their arms and hearts and wills.
Now they call us to remember that it's not just war that kills.