Richard Thomas Barden
* It’s been three years, Dad, and it hurts like yesterday … I don’t know why I was the one to walk you home, but it will forever be my bittersweet blessing, and an honor I didn’t deserve. I miss you very much. *
~
( 9.18.26 - 10.27.19 )
for that bright rose of his honor
those edged thorns of sacrifice
to the steeds he’d left unbroken
and the chimes, a-pealing thrice
to the statues, still in marbled earth
countless draughts thus never spilt
to that knight left rusting in the rain
the steadfast bridges that he’d built
to the jester in his dancing court
the somber conscript left behind
for his queen midst her devotions
and his swords of heart and mind
for the master, mate and martyr
who we laud now with our breath
and the God he loved with graces
who has grieved us with his death
may we wear his garland shining
with the charms that he’d impart
and ne’er let his laurels wilt there
but bloom bright within our heart.
son, brother, husband, father, friend ...
kanpai.
Copyright (10/27/20) © Gregory R Barden, rewrite, October 27, 2022
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