RESIDUE OF WAR
Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "The Bugle (Grandfather George)"And the futility of it all...
13 total reviews
Comment from Michele Harber
What a beautiful story, Chris, and what an honorable man. You may not have known him personally, but I admire that you're carrying on his legacy, not letting him or his heroism be forgotten. By the way, you're really getting a feel for this free verse writing. The poem is moving, heartfelt and, yes, made me cry.
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2019
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What a beautiful story, Chris, and what an honorable man. You may not have known him personally, but I admire that you're carrying on his legacy, not letting him or his heroism be forgotten. By the way, you're really getting a feel for this free verse writing. The poem is moving, heartfelt and, yes, made me cry.
Comment Written 12-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2019
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Thanks so much Michele! I have to say I'm enjoying writing it these days, though I still have a soft spot for a good rhymer. I'm really happy you enjoyed this one about my Grandad George too, my friend, and so glad am I that I have the bugle he found. Thanks for your wonderful review xoxoxxo
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You're so welcome, Chris. If you haven't already, make sure you check your email. I finally had a chance to respond.
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
A very well-written heartfelt and personal veteran story. The war does no good to anyone. The ones who did not lose their lives on the battlefield wither away after war with physical and mental issues they cannot overcome.
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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A very well-written heartfelt and personal veteran story. The war does no good to anyone. The ones who did not lose their lives on the battlefield wither away after war with physical and mental issues they cannot overcome.
Comment Written 11-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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Thank you Sandra. War affects everyone in varying ways. But it boils down to this: War is futile, because it achieves nothing but loss and pain.
Comment from Bill Schott
This free verse, The Bugle, is a nice send up for a grandfather whom was never known. The connection to him through this trumpet left behind by another, continues your connection to the Great War, its effect on our world, and his return to start a family of which you are a part.
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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This free verse, The Bugle, is a nice send up for a grandfather whom was never known. The connection to him through this trumpet left behind by another, continues your connection to the Great War, its effect on our world, and his return to start a family of which you are a part.
Comment Written 11-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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Thank you Bill, I'm glad I have the bugle as it does provide a connection to that war and my Grandad xoxo
Comment from Janice Canerdy
Through the inclusion of moving, specific, and vivid details, you have described for the reader a man of outstanding character and bravery--during war and civilian life, a man whose memory should be be kept alive, is BEING kept alive.
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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Through the inclusion of moving, specific, and vivid details, you have described for the reader a man of outstanding character and bravery--during war and civilian life, a man whose memory should be be kept alive, is BEING kept alive.
Comment Written 11-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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Thank you very much Janice xoxo
Comment from Gail Denham
Wonderful poem highlighting the little you know of your granddad - more than I know of my real grandfather who died young. - and lots more than I know of my paternal or maternal ancestors - we never asked. What a huge pity.
Good poem.
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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Wonderful poem highlighting the little you know of your granddad - more than I know of my real grandfather who died young. - and lots more than I know of my paternal or maternal ancestors - we never asked. What a huge pity.
Good poem.
Comment Written 11-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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It is a pity how much we don't know! Thanks for a great review xoxox
Comment from LisaMay
Your grandfather might have known my grandfather - both in the same theatre of war, both suffering together. What a godawful experience, barely glimpsed at my our generation. your poem expresses this futility well, with the bugle as a symbol connecting the generations.
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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Your grandfather might have known my grandfather - both in the same theatre of war, both suffering together. What a godawful experience, barely glimpsed at my our generation. your poem expresses this futility well, with the bugle as a symbol connecting the generations.
Comment Written 11-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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Thanks LisaMay. We have so little first hand knowledge of WWI, my parents hardly talked about it, and I actually demanded the bugle come to me some years ago, and it did. I wanted it in my home, and would love to get a mouthpiece and tassle for it, but don't know where to start with that! And wouldn't it be funny if both our Granddads knew each other!
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Have you had any contact with the Australian War Memorial in Canberra? They might be able to help with getting your treasured bugle complete. My grandfather was a WW1 war artist and many of his paintings are there. I have found them very helpful with information.
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Yeah, I should give that a try. I'd like to see it in a bit better condition than its currently in.
Is any of your grandad's art available online at all? I'd love to take a peek!
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If you google Will Longstaff you'll get quite a lot of information. He was my adopted father's father. Another relative was Sir john Longstaff, the first Australian artist to be knighted for services to art.
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I'll do that! Thanks for the info. Sounds like you come from a long line of artists!
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I was adopted, but it was quite an illustrious family to be adopted into.
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It sure sounds like it! I looked up both your relatives and their paintings are haunting, beautiful and real. What a blessing to be adopted in to such a family! Although I guess it doesn't make up for the "loss" of your biological parents, and I can't presume it's all been sunshine and roses for you either xoxoxoxox
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
How wonderful that you have this bugle to bring back memories of your grandfather! He was so young when he enlisted. It is so sad that his spirit withered away as you put it, war knocks the stuffing out of people, the terrible experiences and sad things witnessed, the cruelty of war, this is a great tribute to your grandfather and it is good that he is remembered, much enjoyed, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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How wonderful that you have this bugle to bring back memories of your grandfather! He was so young when he enlisted. It is so sad that his spirit withered away as you put it, war knocks the stuffing out of people, the terrible experiences and sad things witnessed, the cruelty of war, this is a great tribute to your grandfather and it is good that he is remembered, much enjoyed, love Dolly x
Comment Written 11-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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Thanks very much Dolly, I'm happy you enjoyed this xoxoxox
Comment from Sharon Haiste
I think this is a good entry for the REMEMBERING VETERANS (free verse) writing prompt.
I like the story you tell of Granddad George's bugle.
Well done and good luck to you with the contest.
Sharon
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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I think this is a good entry for the REMEMBERING VETERANS (free verse) writing prompt.
I like the story you tell of Granddad George's bugle.
Well done and good luck to you with the contest.
Sharon
Comment Written 11-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2019
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Thanks very much Sharon xoxoxox
Comment from brenda bickers
Hi GMC,
this is such a sweet free style poem. I like the way you have written this. It felt comfortable, like we were having a conversation. What a brave man your grandfather was. At least the other men had the cover of the trenches. The bugle is a mystery, but what a precious memento to own.
I loved the presentation and feel from this poem.
Well done to you.
Brenda.x
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2019
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Hi GMC,
this is such a sweet free style poem. I like the way you have written this. It felt comfortable, like we were having a conversation. What a brave man your grandfather was. At least the other men had the cover of the trenches. The bugle is a mystery, but what a precious memento to own.
I loved the presentation and feel from this poem.
Well done to you.
Brenda.x
Comment Written 10-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2019
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Hey, thanks so much Brenda. I'm honoured you stopped by and have gifted this poem with six stars and very thoughtful review comments. Thank you!
Comment from Y. M. Roger
A beautiful offering that tells a wonderful story as well as shares the feelings of the reader in a wonderful, heart-touching free verse for the contest -- thank you so very much for sharing and best of luck at the polls! ;)
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2019
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A beautiful offering that tells a wonderful story as well as shares the feelings of the reader in a wonderful, heart-touching free verse for the contest -- thank you so very much for sharing and best of luck at the polls! ;)
Comment Written 10-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2019
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Thanks Yvette!