Flotilla Of Remembrance

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

May 27th - June 4th 1940 saw the remarkable rescue of tens of thousands of allied troops trapped under enemy fire on the beaches of Dunkirk. This weekend, the 70th anniversary of this historic event is being commemorated there. I felt compelled to write a poem and this is my small contribution to mark what was an incredible feat of courage and endurance that saw humankind both at its very worst and its very best.

This poem is a villanelle.

FLOTILLA OF REMEMBRANCE

To Dunkirk, the little ships did sail
for tens of thousands, backs to the sea;
an awesome task they dare not fail

Its bloody beaches saw hope prevail,
a town on fire, centre-stage for history;
to Dunkirk, the little ships did sail

Ordinary people, answering the call
to play their part for king and country;
an awesome task they dare not fail

Injured and dying due for a miracle
few could believe they would ever see;
to Dunkirk, the little ships did sail

Tens of thousands plucked from hell
under plain sail transcending the ordinary
an awesome task they dare not fail

Soldiers of Peace, heroes one and all,
applying humanity’s balm, braving its fury;
to Dunkirk, the little ships did sail,
an awesome task they dare not fail

Copyright R. N. Taber 2010

My Canine Partner

This poem was written for a close friend’s mother, Sheila, disabled in a car accident. Her dog, Juneau, was trained by Canine Partners, a charity ‘transforming the lives of people with disabilities by partnering them with highly trained assistant dogs.’ Sadly, Juneau has died since I wrote the poem.

Sheila now has another wonderful assistant dog but. But Juneau was the first, not only transforming her life but also that of her husband John. Is it any wonder then that Juneau will always have a special place in their affections?

For more information about this excellent organisation that helps disabled people across the UK but relies on donations and fund raising events to do so:

info@caninepartners.co.uk  (or call 08456 580 481)

MY CANINE PARTNER

While I’m just an ordinary person
although I have a disability,
Juneau’s trained to be one in a million,
assisting, supporting, inspiring me

Juneau helps me participate fully
in the mainstream business of living;
people would rather get to know me
instead of looking away or staring

Juneau is my trusty canine partner,
together we tackle life’s ups and downs;
we make a team like you’ll find no other
on slopes where once only mountains

Far more than assistant or friend to me,
Juneau helps make my dreams reality

[From: On The Battlefields Of Love by R. N. Taber, Assembly Books, 2010]