Many poets have written response poems to “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian John McCrae. Thea Bennett, my grandmother, was one of those poets. Here is her Canadian reply titled “In Quiet Towns.”
In quiet towns the maples grow, Between the houses row on row, And in the sky The leaves still gaily whirling by Are seen by children playing below. We are alive with thanks to you - The valiant men who've gone Beyond the sunset and the dawn Loved and revered. We look for friendship with the foe - Because to you who died we owe A debt we can't repay - Unless the torch of faith can glow From day to day While maples grow In quiet towns. -by Thea Donaldson Bennett