<P> In Flanders Fields and Other Poems, a 1919 collection of McCrae's works, contains two versions of the poem: a printed text as below and a handwritten copy where the first line ends with "grow" instead of "blow", as discussed under Publication: </P> <P> In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on 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 fields . 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 fields . </P> <P> As with his earlier poems, "In Flanders Fields" continues McCrae's preoccupation with death and how it stands as the transition between the struggle of life and the peace that follows . It is written from the point of view of the dead . It speaks of their sacrifice and serves as their command to the living to press on . As with many of the most popular works of the First World War, it was written early in the conflict, before the romanticism of war turned to bitterness and disillusion for soldiers and civilians alike . </P> <P> Cyril Allinson was a sergeant major in McCrae's unit . While delivering the brigade's mail, he watched McCrae as he worked on the poem, noting that McCrae's eyes periodically returned to Helmer's grave as he wrote . When handed the notepad, Allinson read the poem and was so moved he immediately committed it to memory . He described it as being "almost an exact description of the scene in front of us both". According to legend, McCrae was not satisfied with his work . It is said he crumpled the paper and threw it away . It was retrieved by a fellow member of his unit, either Edward Morrison or J.M. Elder, or Allinson . McCrae was convinced to submit the poem for publication . An early copy of the poem is found in the diary of Clare Gass, who was serving with McCrae as a battlefield nurse, in an entry dated October 30, 1915--nearly six weeks before the poem's first publication in the magazine Punch on December 8, 1915 . </P>

Who are the speakers of in flanders fields