While not planned, “Always Remember” word-pairing came up for Memorial Day. Writing a memorial poem is challenging to honor sacrifice, celebrate freedom yet not celebrate war. This poem came spilling out at 2 a.m. in the private dark with tears in my eyes. Hopefully the poem speaks to you and honors war veterans.
Always Remember
Those who had no choice not to go
Those who got caught up in the promise of glory
Those who died
Those who lived
Those with affected bodies and minds.
Always remember
young frightened boy
against young frightened boy
separated only by uniform and country
into friend or foe.
The young people
fighting the wars of old men’s power and greed.
Always remember
Those at home
the mothers
the fathers
the victory gardens
the rations
the worry and tears.
All that lies forgotten
are the reasons
if ever truly known.
Today
Memorial Day
remember in our small ways
to have no foe
to see past politics and flags
to see humanity
to see young boys and girls
mothers and fathers.
To always remember
the sacrifices of war.
CreatetheDawn 