Salute of Gratitude

Dictators roamed the earth, enforced the hand of justice blinded And tipped the scales on youths defending lives of those like minded Tenaciously with tooth and nail they’d claw instinctively But barely scratched the surface of surviving through this tyranny With senses slaughtered, presently, a mystery marred in grey Darkness reared its head and scarred our history in dismay The souls of fallen comrades, stories untold, turning, grave Aimless restlessness in crypts where fortune favors brave Muddy pastures fertilized with dormant incompliance Heroes recognized in red and green fields of alliance And innocence ignited soar beyond the barricades Rebirth, growth and healing on a spiritual crusade On the path towards the open doors of possibility Fluorescent understandings speaking truth and seeks serenity Respect in combat, courage serves a cause so incandescent Suppressing the oppressors with unheeded prayer’s confession Pay homage to tin monuments, but don’t proceed to follow Bear testament to tears of fire brought on by Apollo Baron skies once filled with fire sparks of mass destruction Replaced with fireflies and works, displaying reconstruction Burning hopes and drowning sorrows, ember echoed temperance Salutations, floating reefs and candles of remembrance Purple hearts and silver stars for dear departed soldiers Hollowed gunshots, flags and trumpets honoring our boldest