John McCrae

(1872–1918)

In Flanders Fields

John McCrae

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.

—1915