Charles J. Ingerson
IN ROWS
(Prelude:
A white covered field
once a farmer’s known
fertile soil crops to yield
now with flowers shorn
Reverence is here felt
loved ones come oft
by headstones have knelt
whispers of lovers soft)
Attention!!
Can you hear
this command
silent and clear
to understand?
‘Troops are ready’
reports the SNCO
‘Post the colors steady’
and silent tears flow
Another day begun
where men and women
lay on soil once won
peace to transcend
Look Smart Lads
The gates opening
slowly hearing voices
little children seeing
their wonder rejoices
‘Your turn lad, a mother’
Sergeant Major whispers
leading troops together
amid the single firs
‘Now yours my son’
a child never seen
laying flowers in the sun
on your grave to lean
‘Hear now, tears flow’
‘yes your bride here’s
every year she does show
‘makes the clouds clear’
One More Row
Quickly time does fly
presenting troops alone
pushing spirits high
with visits from home
Others may forget
but families never do
love and emotions beget
these feeling so true
One more row to see
fresh soil and stones
so our nation can be free
silent heard these tones
Sound the Call
The gates close again
twilight embraces all
retiring the colors begin
soft the bugle’s call
Warmer hearts found
flowers on the grave
whispers quiet sound
here and there a wave
(Epilogue:
Coming in the Spring
again in the late Fall
with flowers all to bring
hearing freedoms call
Memorial Day known
Veterans’ Day as well
love and honor shown
to soldiers who fell
Whispers reverently soft
soldiers guard standing
can be heard gently oft
a hearts understanding)
©Copyright April 21, 2003 by Charles J. Ingerson