PER ARDUA AD ASTRA

[Maureen K Clifford]

Per Ardua Ad Astra is the RAAF's motto and a literal translation, from the Latin, is: 'through adversity to the stars'.



PER ARDUA AD ASTRA – Through Adversity to the Stars
Maureen Clifford © The #ScribblyBarkPoet

“Why are you here midst the legions of dead
and why are you crying?” the young soldier said …
I saw but a shadow from out of my eye -
there was no one there but I gave my reply.

“My tears are for parents who’ve lost a loved son,
for sweethearts and friends who now have no one
to share with the memories of younger years,
to talk to, confide in and share hopes and fears.

My tears are for children that will not be born,
who’ll never take breath nor celebrate dawn.
A whole generation lost. We can’t repay
the sacrifice they made. It’s for them I pray.”

I said that my tears were for all of mankind,
for a world that had changed, the blind leading the blind.
A world where compassion seemed in short supply,
where hatred and war, common sense did deny.

Where prejudice festered, where discontent reigned.
Countries blamed each other, landscapes were bloodstained.
Life had little value when caught in war’s maw.
With innocents slaughtered – I asked, “And what for?”

I heard him sigh softly and gently he said.
“O’er centuries men fought, then buried their dead.
And time’s taught us nothing, and I doubt it will.
We all pray for peace but continue to kill.

I’m one of its victims – I died all alone,
and lie here in red dirt, far, far from my home.
All the tears of a nation will never atone.
I’m known only to God – hence my nameless gravestone.

This is my resting place and here I rest
For king and country, I gave of my best
Loved ones back home have now all left this earth.
Villers-Bretonneux is a long way from Perth.”

He faded away. In his eyes I saw tears.
His voice sadly whispered the truth of the years.
I sat and reflected amongst legions of dead
on how we and the world dishonoured their bloodshed.

We have to do better – there’s no time to wait.
Say no to violence, do not embrace hate.
Pay homage on ANZAC Day – honour our dead…
but fight for the living and world peace instead.

7.4.2025

[alongtimegone]

Great piece of writing Maureen and so connected. ... With innocents slaughtered – I asked, “And what for?” What for indeed.
Wazza

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thanks Wazza, greatly appreciate your comment and glad you liked it