Memorial Day Writing Prompt - Be Inspired by Poetry

The writing prompt is a little different this Monday. I hope you won't mind my alluding to Memorial Day and posting the poem below as a reminder of those who have lost their lives in battle. If you would like more information on the history of Memorial Day and the subsequent selling of silk poppies, which was inspired by the poem below, please see an article, which I previously posted on the Novel PASTimes blog.

John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields surrounded by war and suffering in France. In 1915, after a young friend of McCrae’s died, he performed the funeral in the absence of a chaplain. Prompted by this death, McCrae poured out his emotional response to what he’d been experiencing as a physician during WWI, by penning these words.

In Flanders Fields
            By
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD 
Canadian Army

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.

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.

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.

Writers can easily be inspired by such heartfelt, beautiful poetry. Today’s writing prompt is multiple choice: 

1) Write a poem about what Memorial Day means to you. 2) Use In Flanders Fields as a prompt to write a scene involving war. Or 3) Write a “thank you” note to those who have given their lives or served in the military.  

Use one or more of the above ideas and be inspired to gratefulness! And great writing!