Memorial Day

It's not about barbeques,
Hamburgers and franks
It's a day set aside,
For offering our thanks,
For those who died,
Or were injured or maimed
To fight against evil,
Whatever it's named

Pity that God couldn't 
Give them this day,
To let them come back home,
To their families and stay

Just one day a year
To retaste their love,
And let their dear souls,
Know how we think of them
While they're above,

They sacrificed their greatest gift
To keep us safe 
Though in sadness we drift

No more Thanksgiving dinners,
Movies or pies,
Just a host of loved ones
Who can't dry their eyes

I salute you dear brothers in arms,
Men, women, children with innocent charms,
You've done your job,
So adequately well,
It's up to us now,
We live in hell.
Sorrow so heavy
we bend at the knees
No trick or substitution
Ever will please

We hang up your picture
But it doesn't talk back
The love we did share,
We now sorely do lack

Your family and friends,
And your whole country too
Does cry for your sacrifice,
And salute you.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

artly Avatar
September 24, 2026 at 7:47 AM
I've really been enjoying your poem and the emotions and imagery were so vivid that i could easily picture them as beautiful illustration. I'm a commission-based manga/webtoon artist,and I’d love to discuss the possibility of bringing this poem to life if you're ever interested. Feel free to reach out at gm@il : akiracomicart2@ or on inst@: akiraa_artly
Bell Avatar
June 23, 2017 at 9:29 PM
Its been almost 10 years and im still sad that we were estranged when you died. I miss you and wish you were here to see what an awesome grandson you have.
A   Avatar
March 26, 2016 at 10:30 PM
Tom, awesome poem, you've expressed yourself well, I like the way you ended the poem. Please keep writing and sharing your poetry when you have time. Happy Easter ** LOVE LINDA
A  Avatar
August 10, 2015 at 7:21 PM
TOM, a wonderful read.... LOVE *SKAT*
Brown Avatar
June 7, 2012 at 11:44 AM
I still miss you so much Tom. I love reading your poetry. Love, Carol
Brown Avatar
April 11, 2011 at 7:09 AM
Miss you so much Tom. Until we meet again Love, Carol
Foulk Avatar
March 30, 2011 at 8:19 AM
a very beautiful piece of poetry, by a beautiful man, Rest in piece my dear friend.
La France Avatar
August 10, 2010 at 8:03 PM
I have heard your name on the soup, you were a man loved by many, and reading your poem today, it is easy to see why, rest in peace Tom Bell~~
P Avatar
November 18, 2009 at 6:53 AM
Listening To Your poetry 4real..
Ahmad Avatar
October 2, 2009 at 2:55 PM
missing you!
Winter Avatar
May 13, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Tom, can't believe it's almost a year. Still can't believe you're gone. Love you buddy, always will. xoxo
Valmer Avatar
April 15, 2009 at 2:40 PM
hi jeff so sorry for your loss. connie
Valmer Avatar
April 15, 2009 at 2:29 PM
miss you tom, coming to visit you in may on the 25 .LOVe Connie
Bell Avatar
March 30, 2009 at 11:06 PM
I Love you Pops! RIP
Bell Avatar
June 23, 2017 at 9:31 PM
Rip brother you are missed
Valmer Avatar
October 3, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Hi tom well its been 4 month since you left us.I miss a whole bunch. And have no one to talk too. So I though I put all of my feeling under your last poem. Listen to our music everyday. Today is Oct. 3 08. Last year at this time we meet after 37 years/ You are always on my mind .Hope you are writing you tit bids, luv connie.
Winter Avatar
July 25, 2008 at 4:30 PM
I'm so sorry Tom. We never quite got around to our phone call where you were going to play your band's awesome rendition of Soul Sacrifice for me. I'm so sorry. I didn't think for a moment time would be so short. Hope you forgive me. I miss you, and it hurts very much. Hope you are happier than you have ever known. Love you. Come visit anytime. Love always, Shar xoxoxo
Foulk Avatar
July 11, 2008 at 3:06 PM
a very moving piece of poetry. and so true. freedom is not free, and we need to be very thankful for our boys who have given their lives for that freedom..
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace