Remembrance Day 2011

IMPRESSIONS OF REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE
2011
Brilliant golden leaves still clinging

halo the trees in the November morning sun

and cast into shade the cadet sentries

at each side of the cenotaph

rifle butts to the ground

heads bowed

in reverence and remembrance.

*

Clouds roll in bringing brisk winds

the flags snap and stand out stiffly

the wind noise

picked up by the sound system

rumbles behind it all

creating ghostly echoes
of the sounds of war
*

The crowd stands silent

Civilians, veterans, cadets

berets, medals and poppies abound
the troops march in to the open square

an eloquent and moving tribute

to the quick and to the dead

*

The Last Post once again issues

from the bell of the bugle
and dissipates into the heavens

tears fall, hats and caps are

held over hearts, memories

flood those who have served

and gratitude those who have not.

*

Orders are given and rifles fire

Their sounds driving lumps into our throats

While the wind, now icy

and with hints of snow

creeps into hands and feet and souls

and whispers “this is how it was for Them”.

*

Chaplains pray for the souls of those lost

Politicians speeches are carefully worded

subtle pleas for votes

A torrent of leaves is stripped from the trees

And hurtle violently toward the ground

in my mind they become

the countless and faceless dead

Blown away by the evil

of mainly forgotten wars

*

Familiar words “They shall not grow old …” are recited
A familiar hymn is sung “Abide with me
fast falls the eventide…”
Some of us know the words!
*
EMAIL deerthistle@sympatico.ca

The cenotaph in Oshawa