Today is ANZAC Day in New Zealand. It is when we remember those who have died in wars – with a particular focus on Gallipoli (Turkey) in World War 1.

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.