TO THE MEMORY.........
Although I was born in 1946, I knew nothing of Violette until recently (2006 – a full 60 years after her death) when I was introduced to her life story via the medium of Susan Ottoway’s book –‘Violette Szabo. The life that I have …’ (Pen & Sword Books ISBN 0 8502 780 – 5) loaned to me by one of its contributors.
On reading the story of her short life I was greatly moved, and began to feel that I could have been grieving for a member of my own family ... someone I greatly admired.
My heart goes out to Tania, her daughter, and to all who knew and loved her.
My best wishes go to Miss Rigby and the Violette Szabo Museum at Wormelow.
Most of all, my thanks and admiration, paltry that they are and all too late, go to Violette herself for her selfless example to others.
Who Violette was and what her memory represents should never be erased.
The following poem was composed by me, as a result of reading Susan Ottoway's book.

Light for me a candle, friend,
For I cannot.
Watch, for me,
With your living eyes
The flickering flame
For just one moment,
As you set it in the earth
And remember me.

Let it there burn out
The shame
Of those who brought me here;
Set it proudly.
Let it burn brightly
Let it dance and flirt
Among its comrades
In this dark
And cheerless place
That I
Might feel its warmth
Amongst the cold touch
Of tortured souls;
That I
Might know again
Some part
Of that ancient comfort
I once felt;
That,
As I walk
In the cool stillness
Of my eternal night,
I might know
That I am not
Forgotten.

M B Houghton
17-07-06

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