I am the soil at Vimy Ridge,
Unchanging in my essence.
I’ve been here since the soldiers left;
Was here before their presence.
I have witnessed bloody battles,
And a peaceful time before:
A still and calm so beautiful
Before the raging war.
I’ve felt the boots of twenty thousand
March towards their slaughter,
Sacrificing everything for
Wives and sons and daughters.
I’ve heard the echoes of their cries,
Free of arrogance or pride.
Full of fear, yet they fought
And for your freedom died.
I was watching when the fighting stopped
And victory was declared.
The Canadians proved themselves as more
Than soldiers who were scared.
Now I hold twelve thousand markers,
Of men who fought and fell —
My duty is to make sure that
They rest forever well.
I am the soil at Vimy Ridge,
A witness to the war,
Some may say they’ve seen it all
But I have seen much more.
by Inés Carolina Fiedler
Windsor, ON · Vincent Massey Secondary · Metropolitan Legion Br. #594
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Source: http://www.legion.ca/…/2013/09/2015_WinnersBooklet1.pdf
