My mother’s Uncle Edgar is one of those who died in Gallipoli. Today I heard my mum read a poem written by Edgar’s mother Maria (my mother’s grandmother; my great grandmother) after Edgar died.
It is beautiful. So tender. So sweet. A mother’s heart. Read it aloud.
Here is a photo of the original…
Maria died four days before the second anniversary of Edgar’s death.
nice chatting
Paul
Let me write the words out again just in case you cannot read them.
To a Lad That’s Gone from New Zealand
When the shadows are falling soft and still,
And the heat of the day is done,
I see through the dusk as a mother will
The face of lad that’s gone.
The face of a lad with a stalwart frame
Whom God once gave to me,
With a fearless heart and a stainless name,
And a soul of chivalry.
I see hin (him!) as he said farewell,
Gallant and tall and gay,
I hear the clanf (clang!) of the station bell,
The night that he went away.
I remember the day when the cable came,
And I knew that his race was run,
And that nothing was left but an honoured name,
And a grave for my son – – my son.
And every night when the sun goes west,
And the toil of the day is done,
Oh, I long for the boy who loved me best,
And the smile of a lad that’s gone.
About Me

the art of unpacking
After a childhood in India, a theological training in the USA and a pastoral ministry in Southland (New Zealand), I spent twenty years in theological education in New Zealand — first at Laidlaw College and then at Carey Baptist College, where I served as principal. In 2009 I began working with Langham Partnership and since 2013 I have been the Programme Director (Langham Preaching). Through it all I've cherished the experience of the 'gracious hand of God upon me' and I've relished the opportunity to 'unpack', or exegete, all that I encounter in my walk through life with Jesus.
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O that is a beautiful poem.
Amazing poem Paul, brought tears to my eyes!
You know what is ugly about war? The "people" that start it.
Sorry. I meant to add on to the previous comment. It is indeed a lovely poem but sad that a life was lost, brought tears to my eyes too.
Couldn't agree more.
A sad tear-inducing poem that seems to make war that much more ugly … and yes, there are so often ugly people at the helm
hi there Paul, I am wondering if i might seek your permission to use the words of this beautiful poem for a private art project on the ANZAC's at Gallipoli I am doing as I feel it captures the essence of loss that many mothers must have experienced at the time. It is just so beautifully written. Please let me know if this is okay with you. thanks 🙂 Ruth from Australia