In two Fields

Elsie tied the knot just like Jacob showed her, then closed the barn door remembering to latch it. Mornings first light had just begun to kiss the golden fields and already her day has been full. The cows now milked, the horses fed, just a bucket of corn to spread for the chickens and then she will allow herself a break, just a little one. The first chores were nearly completed. Her hands red and raw ached when she thought about the bread that needed to be baked. Her stomach grumbled, pleading for a cup of tea and oatmeal to carry her through the rest of her day.

She was thinking that by months end, harvest should be under way. Already a few of the men that returned had come to the farm looking for work, some physically impaired others mentally shell shocked. Elsie chose Abrahm and Linus, they worked with her husband in the past, before the war took most of the able body men, including her husband.

The farewell was hard, but while she cried, Jacob smiled. Wiping her cheeks with his calloused fingers, he made her promise no tears. Hugging him, she did her best to smile, she also promised Jacob that the farm would be fine. He laughed when she mentioned that their two boys, although only four and six, would help as much as they could. Elsie pretended not to notice Jacobs eyes glistening as he kissed her and boarded the train.

Not long ago they saw a turn for the better in their life; after fighting for survival during the drought of the past decade, it looked like the forties were about to pay off. For the last two years, crops were abundant throughout the entire region. People smiled again, children wore shoes without holes and the women bought new dresses for church. Life was good.

Then the war came to their part of the land and took Jacob and other men with it. For a moment she saw herself standing among the fields of wheat filled with life, knowing the fields Jacob now walked upon, sowed only death.

The early morning breeze felt warm already, the suns rays would soon bake the land, the fields looked good now, but it hasn't rained this past month, and Elsie wasn't sure how long the crop would last. Perhaps they would be forced to harvest early, making the grain a lower quality.

A lone cry from an osprey searching for prey amongst the dry stalks broke the morning peace. Elsie finished tossing the last of the feed on the ground, leaned upon the post and gazed upon the land they fought so hard for. Suddenly seeing a sign of hope for the first time in a while. The distant skies had a grey tinge to them, and the wind was bringing the clouds towards the farm. Taking the time, she inhales the fresh scent of rain that lingers longingly in the air.

Elsie washed up by the water pump, splashing water on her warm face and dusty arms. Approaching the house she paused on the stoop, the smell of smoke wafted out of the house, rushing in Elsie screamed for Billy and Tommy. Expecting to find her home ablaze, she was shocked to see her two boys standing by the kitchen table, which was set for breakfast. Fresh picked wildflowers stuffed in a tin can were placed in front of her seat. Their tiny faces beaming with joy. Billy held out the chair and Tommy brought her a napkin. The porridge was watery, the toast burnt, which explained where the smoke smell came from, and the tea was warm water sprinkled with crushed leaves floating on top. It was delicious.

Their laughter was interrupted by the sound of a motorcar roaring down the gravel road outside the home. Elsie paused but kept a smile on her face. The children jumped out of their seats to see who the visitors were, while Elsie gathered the plates, placing them in the sink. She could hear the boys chatter amongst themselves. Wiping her hands on her apron she walked to the porch, before opening the screen door Elsie froze. The boys were standing off to the side, no longer talking.

The military vehicle pulled up amidst a cloud of dust, the back door opened and out stepped Father Devon, bible in hand. The driver came out next followed by an army officer. Elsies heart fluttered uncontrollably, her throat became as dry as the soil in their fields. She felt the land fold in on itself while the three men approached. She could not stop the tears as they fell, watching as Bill gently tucked his younger brother under his arm. She quickly wiped away the tears and stood tall, after all, she promised Jacob she would not cry. Regaining her composure, Elsie opened the door.

Nodding to the three men she said. "I'll put the tea on."

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We sometimes fail to remember, war also affects those not on a battlefield, or in uniform. There are people whose lives are drastically changed, and they too should be remembered.

Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed on November 11th throughout the Commonwealth since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. We continue this tradition and acknowledge all members of our armed forces

Three years ago, I wrote this poem in honor of my father who served. Every year it feels like the general population is forgetting the sacrifices they made so we could live in freedom.

Jason Basaraba