The Leaves of Autumn
They paint the ground beneath the trees they served so well
Hues of red, orange, yellow and brown
All blended into an autumn camouflage
Laid down now in their final form of service
They lay moldering beneath their parent trees
In one final act of service of nurturing
They give their last bit of support
As the final molecules of their energy leach into the soil
So like the leaves of autumn are our veterans
Our country called upon our youth for service in times of need
Our youth willingly answered those calls time and time again
And as they answered they bought the freedoms we hold so dear
And like the fallen leaves, our fallen heroes nurture our country
Their valor and spirit seep deeply into the soil around them
They are the very earth and bedrock of all that we are
And it is our duty to honor them and hold them dear
The mid-November breeze blows crisp and cold across the cemetery
Small flags atop glistening white tombstones flutter
On one stone rests a majestic bald eagle
As if he too is paying homage and gratitude to the fallen
I walked the rolling lawns of Arlington in humble silence
I felt the breeze caress my cheeks and brow
And the last of the leaves of autumn rest now
In final tribute at the bases of the tombstones
© 2011 B. E. Parks senti poem
All Rights Reserved
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