Rhyming Lines
The Poems of Jack D. Harrison
by
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POPPIES IN A FIELD. Poppies in a field, for the boy no longer here; he sailed for the Western Front without any fear. Peaceful was the image in his head that day; just turned twelve, as he lay in the newly cut hay. And now turned fourteen, he's gone, having lied about his age; Recruiting Sergeants didn't care, as the boy signed the page. So many of these boys, joined up, forsaking favourite toys; Like Pied Pipers, the call of the guns led them to the noise. A hundred years ago this morning; he left his trench, the July day was dawning. They trample the Poppies all around; as allied shells and mortar, pound the German ground. Quickly over the top he went, the Officer was keen to teach; but the bullet with his name on it, was not yet in the breech. "Not too fast, keep the line straight"; he heard the Lieutenant’s call, not daring then to wait. Across the broken ground they stare; resilient Poppies still defiant, here and there. He passed what resembled Tommy Mc'Aid; still missing from last night's trench raid. They tread the hell of 'No-man's Land', the gallant lines progress; amongst them, blasts artillery shells, causing Shellshock and distress. Then Private Muller from the Rhine, replaced the magazine; the bullet with his name on it, the boy had never seen. And now our boy has fallen in the same old way; The French field reminds him of that newly cut hay. He'll never get a chance to write; to explain to grieving parents, "it's alright". His blood now feeds the Poppies here; Poppies in that field, for the boy no longer here. By JACK D. HARRISON. (In memory of Grandad, who spent time on the Somme; and to the 250,000 boys who lied about their age; to get into The Great War].
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About the Book
This is a book almost completely composed of Poetry, but some are adapted from songs Jack wrote. They all constitute a snap shot perhaps of some of the experiences, influences and the inspiration for writing. They also indicate an illustration of the Author’s mindset and motivations. Being Male, many of the poems were written or inspired by things related to boys; and again, from a boy’s perspective - but not exclusively so. The Author was in fact a boy himself [once]; and in-spite of rumors of having pet dinosaurs. Jack is only 20 (x 3).
About the Author
Jack Harrison (Christened John) has always loved writing since his boyhood; and there still remains, a child-like nature in his work. Very much a product of his times, Jack grew up with the Cold War and Space Race going on around him. He spent his early working life as a Gardener and Grounds-man, before going on to be a Railway Signalman; continuing the Railway tradition of his Uncles. Following injuries from three serious accidents, Jack has had to re-invent himself more than once, adapting to circumstances. He has also spent several years at two Universities and was involved with Trade Unions, International and local Politics; and Community Issues/Campaigns. Jack has been a Royal British Legion Caseworker and served a full term as a Councilor on Fleetwood Town Council. All of the above experiences have produced a wide range of subjects and mindsets for his Poetry, Song Lyrics and occasional short stories. (He even wrote an up-dated version of Dicken's 'A Christmas Carol', reflecting new situations in modern British Society. It was once suggested that this form the basis for a Play). These days Jack Harrison prefers to concentrate on his writing and the special people in his life.