Mattituck High School - Reflector Yearbook (Mattituck, NY)

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cian and poet died of pneumonia in France 1918. He was a graduate of the University of Toronto and had been later associated with John Hopkins. He became a member of the Royal College of Physicians, London, and of the Association of American Physicians. Dur- ing the Boer War he received the Queen’s Medal with three clasps for his campaign there. His poem was written amidst the fire and blood of the Battle of Ypres. He had his headquarters in a hole dug in the ground, and often men, who had been shot, would roll down into this dug out. During lulls he watched his comrades burying their dead until the crosses, row on row, grew into a large cemetery. Again and again, between the crashes of the artillery the song of the lark could be heard. From these circumstances grew the immortal lines: In Flanders Field the poppies blow Between the crosses, row and row. That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly, Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow. Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders Field. Take up our quarrel with the foe; To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Field. Another Canadian Major, A. A. Durkee, wrote “Girl of Mine.’, He left his home in August 1914 for oversea duty. As he left the house his little daughter

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magazine a success financially are representative Suffolk County people. They have helped make Eastern Long Island what it is and these fair fields and beautiful waters are better known everywhere because of what they have planned and done. We suggest that all our friends co-operate with them not onlv in social affairs, but in business matters. —S Last year’s magazine was a War number. This year, peace seems assured to us. Moreover most of our brave boys who were then defending us abroad on land and sea are home again. In regard to the World War Veterans we say: “Cheers for the living, tears for the dead!” —S SALUTATORY We, the class of 1919, wish to take this opportunity of extending to you our greetings. We also desire to thank our teachers, the school officials and all others, who have had our interest at heart. It seems but yesterday when we first entered the doors of our school. Smilingly she extended her wel- come; painstakingly she has guided us; sadly we bid her farewell and trust that the ideals for which she has stood will be attained in life by us. Three Poems of the Great World War Many immortal stories, songs, and poems have been composed during the World War. From this countless number three shine forth like stars in a dark sky and will be known the world over forever. They are “In Flanders Field”, by McCrae; “Girl of Mine’’, by Durkee, and ‘‘Avenue of the Allies” by Noyes. Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, soldier, phvsi-

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accompanied him as far as the gate and there said, “Goodbye, daddy, come home pi tty soon.” On her birthday, two years later, when in the battlefield of St. Eloi, he wrote and sent her the following in verse. Do you remember the summer’s day, When daddy kissed you and went away, Kissed you and left you busy at play Girl of Mine? You told me then to “Come home pittv soon”, I think you expected me back at noon— Have you watched for me since, gassoon, Girl of Mine? It’s a very long time that you have to wait. From babyhood in through to girlhood’s gate Do you still think that “Daddy is awful late,” Girl of Mine? .... I’m hungry for you, and your handsome eyes, And many a day when the sunlight dies, I look for you there in the western skies. Girl of Mine. But though there are faces of angels there, There’s none with my baby can compare, My babe with the eyes and the curly hair, Girl of Mine. And so I can only stay and wait. Pill 1 come to the road with the Peaceful Gate, It’s the road that will lead me back to you straight, Girl of Mine. Another English poet, Alfred Noyes, born in 1880, had a world wide reputation before the war. His skill lies in the unusual blending of the gay temper and the serious mood. herever the English lano'uace is