This is a poem about hope that was written by my great uncle Hugh Card Brown before he went off to war. He was an American WW2 fighter pilot who died at 22 while flying a British Supermarine Spitfire. He failed to return from an operational flight off the coast of Lincolnshire, UK on 16 March 1942.
Presumably, he was shot down but no one really knows. We’re blessed to have this beautiful poem to remember him by, and I feel it really helps to illustrate the type of man he was.
Anyone can see the sun,
When it is shining bright.
But it isn't everyone
That sees the day, at night.
A pessimist can even smile
When all things go his way,
But one who really is worthwhile,
Is one at night, who sees the day.
If everything looks black,
And the night seems extra long,
Look ahead! Not back.
For soon will come the dawn.
I read this poem again while on a long flight to India in 2019. Just like how life goes up and down in cycles, I had been going through some tough challenges at the time, and reading this really helped to lift my spirits.
I started to ask myself what the continuation of this poem would be, and I felt the inspiration to write. I imagined embodying the type of person who helps to uplift people, who is a guiding light when things are hard. I felt like my great uncle was with me the entire time, that he was helping to guide my thoughts and words to create a second part to his poem.
A beacon in the night,
Alight with inner fire.
In darkness saving those astray,
With resolve that shall not tire.
As a sailor to a sirens call,
Your mournful song I'm drawn.
Calm your lyrics of despair,
Because my presence is the dawn.
Rocks of terror will not strike you,
Not in your time of need.
I am flying to your aid,
With wings faster than a steed.
Both a poet and a Warrior,
Feathers sharper than any steel.
I'll cut the tides of sadness,
To help you once more feel.
No hull too badly fractured,
Storms weathered without leaks.
Cut your rusted anchor,
Discard the notion that you're weak.
These words will be your anvil,
To forge your path anew.
Your soul will find it's compass,
Amidst the endless blue.
Cast sails of determination,
Ride winds of boundless strength.
There are no limitations,
For any course you take.
Both a poet and a Warrior,
Foundations that cannot bend,
You'll ride the waves of hope,
With a heart that's on the mend.
– Eric Batdorff
(February 18, 2019)
