Hatrack River Forum: My Memorial Day Poem

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Posted by jexx (Member # 3450) on :

I wrote this poem years ago for Memorial Day. It's a good day for remembering.

Memorial Day
I do not know all your names
And to my shame
I cannot recall all your battles
But when I see my young man’s face
Dressed in camouflage in our place
I remember your trials and I am rattled
My bright beloved armed for battle
Armed with a soldier’s skills

I don’t cry for those who died
I cry for those who survive
Bodies bandaged and worse souls damaged
And I think about my son’s father
And weep for the times I didn’t bother
To kiss him goodbye to kiss him goodbye

If I could see through yesterday
And remember the things I didn’t say
Would I keep Sabbath holy and kneel to pray
If I could be assured of his safe tomorrow
And if I could see him safe from sorrow
If I could see him I could see him

In memoriam I should vow with honor
Patriotism and faith and valor
And most of all to not forget you who came before
But all I can promise you is what I have
A daily routine of wash and dry and unlovely chores
And that is a daily freedom I could do without
But I want to thank you and I do thank you

My bright and handsome husband wakes each day because of you
And he puts on his Battle Dress Uniform in remembrance of you
And he is schooled in the warrior’s skills as you were
And pays his bills and thinks of the future
And plays softball on the fields where you might have drilled
And learns the tactics used to kill
And like you, it is not all he is, it is not all you were, and I remember.

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

That's beautiful, jexx. [Smile]

Thanks for sharing your unique perspective.