The Poetry Corner

Langemarck

By Thomas O'Hagan

A glory lights the skies of Flanders Where the blood-stained fields lie bare, Where the clouds of war have gathered, Built their parapets in the air; Halted stands the Teuton army, Checked its onslaught at a sign; Forward roll the warlike forces, Sons of Canada in line. Let them taste of Northern courage Where the lordly maple grows; Let them face the heroes nurtured Where the stars have wed the snows; We are sons of sires undaunted, Children of the hills and plains; Ours a courage born of duty, Pluck and dash of many strains. Tell it to our children's children How Canadians saved the day; Write it with the pen of history, Sing it as a fireside lay; How at Langemarck in Flanders, Though the odds were eight to one, Our Canadians stood unbroken, Sword to sword, and gun to gun. For Sir Wilfrid Laurier.