Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Military Burial



Photo by L. Kolp: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX


Trees line the graveyard entrance 
like soldiers at attention,
rustling leaves 
their intense expression 
grim reality. 
I bet none of these souls 
rot in hell, 
but instead are gifted 
with eternal peace. 
One, two, three shots 
ring through the air 
and the wind
carries you home.


**



Poetic Inspiration:
3WW~ gifted, intense, rot

32 comments:

Mary Ann Potter said...

I was completely captured by your ending, Laurie. A fitting conclusion --- very moving.

humbird said...

Love the thought about home.

Sheilagh Lee said...

lovely and a fitting tribute to the soldiers

Unknown said...

I wrote another poem about trees and I thought of them standing at attention like soldiers - dutiful and strong.
Thanks Laurie they get too few accolades these days.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

This is very moving, Laurie. I love it. Especially "I know the wind carries you home." Chokes me right up.

Sumana Roy said...

this is beautiful and so touching...

Jae Rose said...

The three shots are very powerful...if there is any consolation of life lost in warfare we can only hope it is eternal peace.

ruth said...

" I bet none of these souls
rot in hell,
but instead are gifted
with eternal peace. "

love the contrast in those words - & those soldiers surely had seen enough of hell...

Brian Miller said...

i would hope that they do find peace in the after...for what they had to endure in life...so stilling to see so many graves in one place...

Myrna R. said...

I guess so many soldiers already saw hell. I too hope they find peace at home.

Susan said...

When the people leave, the trees maintain the watch--nice! I don't imagine they take sides in the wars, but guide all the slain warriors home.

Peggy said...

I find this a comforting poem--a bit sad but nonetheless peaceful.

Mary said...

SO many military cemeteries. So many lost lives. The trees keep watch and mourn.

Old Egg said...

The enormity and horror of war is exemplified by the never ending rows of memorial stones, found in so many paces all over the world.

i b arora said...

'and the wind carries you home' what poignant words

Linda H. said...

Excellent wording. This poem is somber yet beautiful. The ending is perfect.

Steve King said...

An outstanding ending to this, Laurie. Well done.
Steve K.

Arathi Harihar said...

perfect tribute to soldiers..I had been to this cemetery and watched the change of guard thing.. it's very touching..

Kerry O'Connor said...

Your subject is ever-relevant (sadly). Strong metaphoric use of the tree motif.

Carrie Van Horn said...

I love the idea of trees lining up like soldiers...this is a beautiful write Laurie! Beautiful!

Donna Smith said...

It's good to know the trees will remain silently watching. And hopefully many of those souls will find their way home.
I'm thankful for all those who have served and will serve.
Thanks for gifting us with a beauty.

alan1704 said...

This is very thought provoking, the power of hope and the solemness of death. Rewards and treasure come to mind.

Anonymous said...

beautiful!

RMP said...

a beautiful tribute. the image if soldiers shoulder to shoulder is very real...lovely.

Gabriella said...

I have visited numerous war cemeteries since I grew up in a region where many of the WW! battles were fought and I still find them very moving. A fine tribute with a powerful ending.

Gen Giggles said...

So moving and such a wonderful hope.

Anonymous said...

it's good we honor the dead. if only we could learn to honor the living, as well ... ~

Rosemary Nissen-Wade said...

Very evocative.

Cifar said...

catching lines,nice

Nature's Plan

J Cosmo Newbery said...

Heartfelt.

artbyrae said...

I an sure they are all in heaven

Intelliblog said...

Beautiful tribute to the fallen, Laurie.