Daver Austin Poet Free verse

Memorial Day - 1935 (A Child's View)

MEMORIAL DAY – 1935 (a child’s view)

The City
Giant buildings against a clear, blue, morning sky
And the black-tar street flying by beneath his feet

Cars
Old cars    new
Army trucks
Lined-up    half-way-up    Capitol Hill

The city rumbled    shook!
The air all blue-gray smoke
People running
Walking fast    rushing past

All he could feel with his dizzy senses was his father’s hand

And at the point three streets converge
Standing    waiting
Steel helmets blasting in the morning sun
Rifles    long    with gleaming bayonets
500 men

A military band just rounding the corner
Bass drum pounding cadence
Ready to join the parade
That beat pounding cadence in his chest

Further down    downtown
The drone     the music of a hundred engines
Fifty bands
Sound of fifty thousand cheering
As the long Memorial Day Parade marched by

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Elizabeth Wesley September 16, 2011 at 8:34 AM Aalmost thought a war was getting underway Dave, Lots of action and color in this verse. I looked all through and couldn't find La Gitana, maybe you could post again.

Robert A. Dufresne June 13, 2010 at 6:34 AM I think I would have been good buddies with that child.I woud have turned to him and shared an excited big eyed smile of wonder with him! great Daver. Just great. Robert

Kabuteng P.Ink K. June 9, 2010 at 1:36 AM can't help but feel that I was in the Parade! Very nice images were brought to my mind with tis one, thanks for such a creative write :)--nikko :)

Marie Harrison June 5, 2010 at 10:45 AM What a cool poem, it's magical. I can see his wide eyes wandering around, absorbing it all like a sponge. Remarkable poem.

Sara Kendrick June 4, 2010 at 5:59 AM Great write about the Memorial Day Parade through the child's eyes...Keep the creative pen flowing..Sara

Andrea Dietrich June 3, 2010 at 10:13 PM what a wonderful picture you created from that era, Daver. I just love your description in this one. You remain one of the best descriptive poets here in my book! Luv, Andrea

Dr.Ram Mehta May 30, 2010 at 6:12 PM You have drawn a nice pen-picture of 1935 - the year I was born.

Carrie Richards May 30, 2010 at 4:43 PM What a wonderful memory to share with us. There was a certain amount of respect and pride in our country, sincere patriotism, during the beginnings, until the end of WWII, that somehow seems to have been diluted and lost over the years. I too remember more flag waving, and expressions of gratitude for our red/white and blue in days of old....than we see today. Lovely memory!! :) Love, Carrie

May 30, 2010 at 10:16 AM And what a wonderful view that is. One forgets the child's perspective sometimes. I had to chuckle at your comment about my being a grandmother. Yikes! Not yet my friend. My oldest is only 23 and just out of college. I pray both girls will be married before starting families. It funny how we tend to view people's writing as personal experiences. Guess that's a tibute in many ways as the words must feel honest. Thank you for your ongoing encouragement. Karen

Linda-Marie Sweetheart May 30, 2010 at 8:30 AM A wonderful poem Daver and thankxxx for sharing your words on this holiday weekend so special.. so enjoyed reading your very creative write as a MOM who has a young son serving in Iraq.. with luv from the "Sweetheart"

Carolyn Devonshire May 30, 2010 at 7:18 AM There will be no parades locally, Daver, so thanks for sharing this special one with us. After reading your poem, I feel like I witnessed the event first hand. The sights, sounds and enthusiasm of the crowd come to life. I wonder how far back the celebration of Memorial Day extends. Love, Carolyn

Joseph Spence Sr May 30, 2010 at 6:30 AM I am able to see the parade and hear the cheering. This is appealing to the senses of sight and hearing. Great job and keep writing. Joseph

Dr.Ram Mehta May 30, 2010 at 6:28 AM A nice tribute to those who laid down their lives