hymnsandbooks

Wednesday 2 April 2014

WORLD WAR ONE - WW1 - HYMN FOR SSAFA 1



Once crimson poppies bloomed


                1              Once crimson poppies bloomed
                                out in a foreign field,
                                each memory reminds
                                where brutal death was sealed.
                                The crimson petals flutter down,
                                still hatred forms a thorny crown.

                2              For in this present time
                                we wait in vain for peace,
                                each generation cries,
                                each longing for release,
                                while war still plagues the human race
                                and families seek a hiding place.

                3              How long will human life
                                suffer for human greed?
                                How long must race or pride,
                                wealth, nationhood or creed
                                be reasons justifying death
                                to suffocate a nation’s breath?

                4              For everyone who dies
                                we share a quiet grief,
                                the pain of loss remains,
                                time rarely brings relief,
                                and so we will remember them
                                and heaven sound a loud amen.

                                                                Andrew Pratt (born 1948)

                                The tune LITTLE CORNARD is commended for this text

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For the period 2014–2018 all royalties received for use of this hymn will be donated to SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Families Association) – the National Armed Forces Charity providing support for military families.

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