In Flanders Fields
John McCrae, May 1915
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.
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.
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.
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.
It's that time of year when we especially remember those people who did, and still do, make the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the lifestyle and freedom we have today.
We buy the paper Poppies and they're great for a couple of days, but then they fall off, or get squashed and are forgotten about.
I was told some pretty disturbing tales of fighting in a war, first-hand, from my grandfather when I was young. I'm very thankful he did - they've stayed with me, and they give me the reality check I need when i complain about the injustice of everyday trivialities, like my toaster not working.
Why not get yourself a bigger, blousier, in-your-face version by making this distinctive Crochet Poppy corsage. It's pretty easy for anyone who has a basic knowledge of crochet. The pattern I've devised provides written instructions, also step-by-step, photo instructions and stitch charts for the more visually inclined. It's not free, but that is so that I can donate the proceeds to the British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Doing it this way not only makes more of a statement, but saves wasting paper and manufacturing on a new Poppy, and uses up yarn that may otherwise be thrown away. You can wear it year after year , although PLEASE, when you do, make sure you give your usual donation.
The Poppy can also be used as an embellishment, or in other decorative ways.
You can get my Poppy crochet pattern HERE
Follow @thredHED
