"Long, Orderly Rows"
By Deb Lambert
By Deb Lambert
In predawn silence, shifting shadows give movementto the long, orderly rows. They seem intent on marching
down that gentle slope, into the rising morning mist...
these headstones marking the final resting place of our
loved ones. Dawn blushes, washing the stones with
faint rose. An errant breeze stirs the tiny flag hugging
a veteran’s gravestone. The palpably sweet air
drifts up the slope.
Soon shall the silence be broken. Soon will begin theparade of vehicles, bearing friends, relatives and descendants
of those who abide here, day after day, in long, orderly rows.
Loved ones and ancestors will be paid homage and tokens of
esteem will be left by streams of earnest visitors. Flowers will
be planted, shrubs installed, cut flowers and notes will be
presented on this special day of remembrance.
We will take particular note of the graves of fallen soldiers,who made the supreme sacrifice... who, cut down in their prime,
defending and protecting us, never got to live a full life... never
raised a family, attended parades and picnics or sailed into the
sunset of life... gave their all, so that we might enjoy all these,
beneath the umbrella of freedom that they have raised.
And what of the veterans, living and deceased,who had the opportunity to live full lives,
after defending our freedom? This day
that we set aside to commemorate loved ones
and to honor fallen heroes, reminds us to offer thanks
to this long list of courageous souls, most especially to our
older veterans, while they are still amongst us.
A parade, cemetery service, memorial concertor a quiet, reflective moment to honor these
true American heroes and all those beloved
folks who have passed through our lives.
The long, orderly rows of Normandy and Arlington.
Memorial Day is a unique reminder of all this.
Walk with me, stand in dawn’s rose blush atop that hillside,watch the headstones trail off into the distance,
let the morning mist dampen your shoes
and let your gratitude mingle with prayers of peace...
knowing that someday a loved one
will stand in this place and remember you.
©Deb Lambert 2008
All Photos ©CBI 2008
2 comments:
This is a really beautiful poem, Deb. You have expressed for us what we would have said, had we the skill with words. It is so very fitting for the day. Your photos compliment it perfectly.
Thank you Bobbie. My dad's grave is located on such a slope and one particular visit, with the early mist rising, was the inspiration for this piece.
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