Anzac Day

For my Grandfather, Australian 9th Light Horse.

He died 
when I was just emerging
from the unremembered,
he left
with the sound
of muffled sobs
coming from
his room.

My Grandfather lived
in yellowed photographs
and the torn patches
of fabric souvenired
from a downed 
Turkish biplane.
His sword 
was too heavy
for a child to lift.

On each Anzac Day
I would open
a battered biscuit tin
to count his medals
and the broken teeth
on an old
set of dentures.
As a child, I worried 
that he had gone
to heaven
without his teeth.

Note.
ANZAC refers to Australian and New Zealand
Army Corps, specifically to soldiers serving 
1914 - 1918.  ANZAC Day is a day of remembrance 
for all those who gave their lives in service and for those who served in defense of the Nation in all wars. ANZAC Day
is held on the 25th April in both Australia and New Zealand.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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