I am often struck
speechless
by symbolism
as I am
by the music
that plays though out
the songbook of my life
and I weep…
the vision of a grieving mother
being offered a folded flag
as a token of a county’s esteem
the ideology of a veteran
laying his own medal
on the coffin of a brother in arms
that didn’t make it out
the depth and breath
of honor and
heart gripping glory
in the colors of our county
combined with
the heart wrenching
music of the era
brings on feelings
of utter loss
complete and total loss
for that which has not happened to me
for those that have been lost
that I never knew
and now
stand no chance
of ever meeting
I am bereft.