Latest News Left Behind: a poem presented by Roslin branch The branch appreciated the writing – which touches on Remembrance and offers a perspective on those who have lost loved ones in service. Having had such a warm reception at Roslin, the poem is now being shared below. Left Behind The people stand with lowered head Remembering the Glorious Dead But what of those who’re left behind Does that thought ever come to mind? The widow who is left to stand Is just a woman in our land No one sees the grief she bears Apart from Armistice, who cares? On that bleak November Day When the nation stops to say Thanks to persons, past and gone Consider those whose life goes on. Do we consider their lifelong pain? Or the thoughts that still remain Of hopes and dreams all unfulfilled Because a loved one has been killed? Her life adapted by her need Who helps? her children’s mouths to feed Or to provide school after care Or give to them the clothes they wear. And as they grow where do they learn The skill of parenthood as men With only a mother on whom to call Do they ever learn that skill at all? Fatherless bairns. Are they aware? Or do they think that life’s unfair To leave them in a situation Largely forgotten by the nation. On foreign soil the gravestones stand Fathers in a far-off land The deeds they did, we need not copy We remember, with a poppy. As we watch the poppies whirl What thought of mother, boy or girl? Their tears for lost ones we can’t hide We watch and call it National Pride. When next the silence you observe In memory of those who serve Keep one thought within your mind Mothers and children, left behind. Then in those moments, when alone As adults, do the thoughts they own Today she may yet marry again But that was less true way back when Working for her children’s good Her sacrifice, her husband’s blood. Manage Cookie Preferences