THE VETERANS

By Helen Middleton Amos

They march, as they have for decades,

Last of a dwindling breed

Who swarmed to their country’s colors,

Who answered their country’s need.

Who knows what memories haunt them

As they follow each brisk command

Of never-returning comrades

Lost in another land?

Maybe their brows are furrowed,

Maybe their steps are slow,

But these are our valiant warriors

Who fought in the long ago.

Their medals glint as brightly,

The poppies flame as red

As when they were young and vital

And followed where fortune led.

Theirs was the strife, the victory.

Honor them on this day!

If you cannot remember, listen

To stories of war, and pray

That somehow this ravaged planet

May right itself yet, and cease

Men’s hatred of one another

And welcome a blessed peace!