Stratford resident and published poet Trevor Rowe has written more than 3000 poems, many of which have been printed in the Stratford Press in the past.
Trevor has read his poetry on the radio and his poems are often chosen as a suitable reading at funerals.
Last month, Trevor
came into the Stratford Press office to offer us the use of one of his poem for our coverage of this year's Anzac Day.
Trevor says his poetry is "old fashioned".
"I like rhymes, rhythm and a clear story told through it," he says.
He finds his inspiration through talking to people and hearing their stories.
He is also inspired when he finds himself in a state he describes as a trance.
"Sometimes I suddenly have these thoughts and ideas come to me and I have to start forming a poem about them."
He says he hasn't written much in the way of poetry since his "beautiful" wife died.
"She was the love of my life, just a wonderful woman."
Trevor says his poetry has enabled him to reach the lives of many people and he is often told how much one of his poems has meant to someone.
This year's poem, "A Soldier's Prayer", was inspired by talking to many service men and women through the years, and reflects the experiences they described to him, Trevor says.
A SOLDIER'S PRAYER
By TREVOR ROWE
I have a soldier's story
Which I tell in simple rhyme,
These words that rank as noble
In the annals of our time.
It's about a common soldier
Common soldier, did I say?
I beg your pardon, none are common
They're heroes all, today.
For fiercely raged the battle
On the battle fields of France
And the order had been given
"Be prepared for an advance."
Side by side, they stood, in silence
Thoughts of home, before the strife
For it meant for many of them
Certain death, another life.
From the ranks then stepped a soldier
He'd been fighting all that day,
And he asked for just a moment
Just a moment, to kneel and pray.
Then amidst those darkened trenches
Down he knelt upon the ground
While his comrades, grim and silent
But in reverence, gathered round.
Then his voice cried out, the Soldier's prayer
Dear God this day we pray
In thy love and great compassion
Look down on us today.
And take our loved ones far away
The love from one and all,
That we shall not be forgotten
If in battle we shall fall.
Then came the fateful order
And his life that day he gave,
Now he lies beneath those poppy fields
In an Unknown Soldier's grave.