Listen

by Jessica Hawkes

Student, and granddaughter of Doug Hawkes

They journeyed from afar
Expecting adventure and fun-
They soon longed for their Homeland
And even for their Mum.

They loved to sit with you
They loved to sit and tell
Some things that they went through
Was like a living Hell.

All their stories vary
So many to be told
They just want you to listen
And not be put on hold.

They love to tell their stories
It doesn’t matter where
All I am saying is "listen"
It simply shows you care.

As they grow old remember
They were young once too
And just keep this in mind
They’ve been through more than you.

Put yourself in their position
Try to know how it would feel
If you sat and listened-
Their images grow so real.

I know this because I've done it
I’ve let some people talk
It feels so much better
Than just clapping as they walk.

They love to have a chat
Just like you do with your friends
It's amazing if we listen-
Some wounds might start to mend.

The younger ones especially
Just don't understand
There's more to these people
Than just ageing, wrinkly hands.

Without them we'd be worse
We may have been invaded
Just think of what they went through
And the distress that it's created.

Sometimes they will laugh
Sometimes they will cry
Sometimes they can't say anything
No matter how they try.

So when next you see a Veteran
Listen when you can
Remember that they fought for us
We should be their biggest fan.

Please respect what they have done
I'm sure they’d do the same
If one went without being heard
Wouldn't you feel ashamed?

We Will Remember

animated maple leaf

Thank you, Veterans,

With sincere gratitude from all Canadians


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