to a field where poppies were laid
on wooden crosses, an elderly couple
planted one with sombre expressions.
One read "Died for Peace. Thankyou"
and another "Lost at Sea. SS Bibury."
I cannot imagine their awful fear
as the ship sunk with eternity near.
From more recent conflicts were photographs
of young warriors in their prime,
a poignant reminder of the horror of war
as children laughed thankfully unaware
of tragedy as they climbed the Keep,
a squirrel scurried equally oblivious.
The breeze blew ghosts on this November day
over crosses of those who'd passed away.