Arlington
Row by row for miles it seems
perfectly aligned, the white stones rise
Stoic symbols of brave men and women
a sight that brings tears to our eyes
In irony, a bald eagle rests
atop a single grave marker
He seems to know that each life snuffed
leaves our world a bit darker
Changing of the guard
at the tomb of an unknown warrior
Precise, rigid, respectful
performed with utmost honor
Who's buried there?
Fathers, husbands, even wives
This tomb represents all lost in action
as they gave their lives
On the far side of Arlington
an eternal flame is still aglow
For an assassinated president
JFK - another war hero
You cannot visit the cemetery
without shedding tears
For the noble and brave young soldiers
whose sacrifices secured our years
Yes, years, decades, centuries
of feeling safe on U.S. shores
Came with the hefty price
countless casualties of wars
As sunset darkens their resting place
let’s raise our eyes to the sky
Praying our troops return safely
and, in peace, the eagle will fly
July 12, 2014
*Dedicated to all of the men and women who have preserved our freedom.
Copyright © Carolyn Devonshire | Year Posted 2014
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