One Hundred Years ago today World War I started and changed the lives of a generation.
I found this poem which unusually for poetry we know from this time, is written by a woman, Jessie Pope. I think this perfectly illustrates the thoughts of the women who were at home hoping and praying for the men they knew and loved.
Socks – Jessie Pope
Shining pins that dart and click
In the fireside’s sheltered peace
Check the thoughts the cluster thick –20 plain and then decrease.
He was brave – well, so was I –
Keen and merry, but his lip
Quivered when he said good-bye –Purl the seam-stitch, purl and slip.
Never used to living rough,
Lots of things he’d got to learn;
Wonder if he’s warm enough –Knit 2, catch 2, knit, turn.
Hark! The paper-boys again!
Wish that shout could be suppressed;
Keeps one always on the strain –Knit off 9, and slip the rest.
Wonder if he’s fighting now,
What he’s done an’ where he’s been;
He’ll come out on top somehow –Slip 1, knit 2, purl 14.
Two books that brilliantly illustrate the lives of those living through the war are: Wake by Anna Hope and Worthless Men by Andrew Cowan.
I love that I found this on such a significant anniversary. And to read words from the period, what a treasure. Especially from a woman’s pen.
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I love the poetry written at this time but it is nice to have a woman’s view for a change.
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I loved Wake ….very atmospheric . Such a sad anniversary .
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I totally agree and a good time to remember all those who sacrificed so much.
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Lovely post, Cleo, and what a moving poem. I can’t recommend another poem but I do strongly recommend Ralph Vaughan William’s Symphony No 3 if you enjoy orchestral music – called the Pastoral, it grew out of his own experiences in France in WW1 and is hauntingly beautiful. (Of course, you may already know it.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v228NtwOvTI I shall be listening to it myself when the lights go out later.
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Thank you for the beautiful music, I do know this haunting symphony (I was the lead second violinist in the school orchestra) and it is the perfect piece for tonight.
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Very powerful, Cleo, and an important reminder that everyone suffers when there is a war. Thanks for sharing.
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I love that poem. Wake is a really excellent novel.
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It was a great find especially as it was from the female viewpoint. I’m fairly sure Wake will make it to my top ten reads of 2014 – I loved it.
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There was a big knitting movement during this time, especially for knitting socks for the soldiers. Terrific poem.
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