Memorial Day~~~2006



Grandpa got all dressed up:
White gloves, uniform firmly pressed,
He shouldered up his rifle,
And went to join the rest.



A Parade was taking place that day,
We all rushed just to see
The bands marching in quiet steps,
Among the graves at the cemetery.



My Grandpa’s troop led the parade.
The flags were flying high.
‘Old soldiers’ marched in measured steps.
They made there way with pride.



The mayor gave a little speech, and then the Priest expressed
His gratitude to all the soldiers who had given all ~ for us.
Someone read Flanders’s field, The Gettysburg Address.
Suddenly: Ready, Aim, Fire ~~ shots shattered the silence.



Grandpa stood at attention, his rifle by his side,
A distant trumpeter played “Taps”; through misty eyes.
The graves were adored with flags and beautiful flowers,
And people milled in quiet groups, in the early sunlight hours.



I looked for my Grandpa, and much to my dismay,
He was kneeling beside a grave, and had bowed his head to pray.
As I got closer to him, I saw the teardrops fall,
“Grandpa? What’s wrong?” He said, “I’ve outlived them all”.



“This is my brother William, he died at Normandy,
And that’s my best friend, Steven; he was lost at sea.
I have friends buried in places I will never see again.
It’s so hard to lose your buddies; it seems that wars will never end.



Many lives were given so we can parade today,
My boy, be proud of that flag, and always stop to pray.
And should a tear glisten through the prayers that you speak,
Be proud of them too, for brave men do have tears upon their cheeks.”



I have very often thought about the talk we had that day,
And I am proud to wear the uniform of my tour in Kuwait.
Today, I’ll shoulder the rifle: Ready, Aim, Fire, in the volley
Of the men and women who have died to keep my country free.



I will recall the words my Grandpa said to me that day,
The day I watched my Grandpa get down on his knee to pray.
My grandpa taught me many things ~~~ of that there is no fear,
And today, when I kneel at grandpa’s grave, I too, will shed a tear.


© Karen
5-20-06
 

Music "Taps"