Gordon H. Personius

ELM STREET

It was silent on Elm Street.
In the distance, drums were pounding,
Voices raised, brass was sounding,
Flags were lifted, confetti drifted.

It was quiet on Elm Street,
The war is over, our leader said,
The war is over, and few are dead!
The war is ended, the cause defended!

There was no sound on Elm Street.
Crowds were clapping, horses pranced,
The Legion marched, the young ones danced;
The war’s been won! The duty’s done!

It was silent on Elm Street,
The door are closed, the crowds don’t flock,
The flags are furled, the ribbons mock!
On Elm Street, our tears forgive,
On Elm Street…
where Johnny used to live.