Burial

Burial
            Pawpaw's funeral

So many bodies stand around an open casket 
Watching as it slowly falls into the Earth,
Black veils cover the mourns of all women
Men hold back their silent tears.

A priest prays over the burial
As rain gently falls,
Quiet drops stick to the deep red roses
That lay across the deceased.

Rifles lift in the thick air
As everyone looks to the dead grass,
Boom-
A cry from a small girl echoes,
Boom- 
Everyone flinches,
Boom-
Tears become heavier.

The guns lower 
To the sides of the soldiers,
They quietly walk away
With foggy eyes.

A slow tear falls down the face of all men
As the coffin is closed,
Women collapse to the ground
With hope of resurrection 
From their loved one.


Leigh Theriot
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Horsman Avatar
October 14, 2011 at 12:45 PM
such profoundness, a brilliant tribute. love this awesome poem. congrats on this worthy winner. harry
Richards Avatar
October 13, 2011 at 8:36 PM
Powerful and deeply moving! Congratulations on a fine win! Well done!
Sweetheart Avatar
October 13, 2011 at 5:08 PM
Congrats Leigh on first place win with this dynamic entry for the contest on a stand out day luv..
Quigley Avatar
October 13, 2011 at 5:01 PM
I think you captured the moment. I felt like I had attended and it conjured up memories of a friends military funeral years ago. Congratulations on your win
Brown Avatar
October 13, 2011 at 3:10 PM
Congratulations on your 1st place win in the contest Leigh. Love, Carol
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