Written by Glen Gregory Kelly at the age of 11
As I run across the fields of grey,
Will I make it, I hope, I pray.
And now and then I think of home.
The beautiful streets I used to roam.
The house I built by the sea,
There a child waits for me.
A loving mother by her side,
Along the beach we used to stride.
But now I know my uneasy fate.
As I listen,
watch,
and wait.

About Glenn Gregory Kelly
Glenn Gregory Kelly is a young poet and burgeoning author from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His first work, "A Soldier Away From Home, was written for Remembrance Day and published at age 11. Glenn believes his poetry and literary works are inspired by the beauty that is found in everyday life, expressed by the subtle eb and flow of language.

Those of you who know me, are aware that the Battle of the Moro River near Villa San Leonardo in Abruzzi Italy occurred amidst my maternal grandfather's grapevines, land my family still owns and cherishes today. Due to my grandfather's diligence, his entire family survived the bombing of their home and the warfare in their back yard by fleeing to nearby caves that flanked the banks of the Moro River. There they lived for 8 long, hungry months, surviving on the charity of Canadian and U.S. soldiers and whatever else they could forage from the land.
When I first heard this poem, it moved me deeply, especially because the young talent behind it was only 11 years old when he wrote it. I am grateful to him for allowing me to publish it on my blog.
By virtue of this poem, and in honor of Rememberance Day, we pay homage to the many civilians and soldiers who found themselves together in such a tiny, unlikely village in cold rainy month of November of 1943.
My sincerest thanks to Glenn Gregory Kelly, who willingly allowed me to publish his beautiful words and to permit me to use it in my own, personal way on behalf of my family. It is a priceless gift and a wonderful treasure, a fitting tribute to the valiant.
We shall never forget.



