Home » Poems » John Posey » The Men Who Died Too Soon--Memorial Day Tribute

The Men Who Died Too Soon--Memorial Day Tribute

The flag flies over this land of the brave and the free
as a symbol of the liberty enjoyed by you and me.
It flutters in the breeze of a quiet afternoon
reflecting sounds of battles in which men died too soon.

The flag flies overhead in cities and in towns
where people seek a haven from worlds turned upside-down.
It tries, gallantly, to honor, on quiet afternoons,
memories of warriors -- young men who died too soon.

The flag flies overhead -- unseen, by some, it seems,
who hurry on their separate ways in search of private dreams.
It waves farewell then, it appears, with the rise of the evening moon,
it gently reaches out to touch the men who died too soon.

Author's note:
This was written some years ago to honor our fallen warriors
May they rest in eternal peace.. Jake

memorial dayrhyme

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

Jannie Breedt

Date: 4/2/2017 7:09:00 AM

Hey thanks USA for keeping us free. They didnt die for nothing

Skat A

Date: 5/26/2015 4:45:00 PM

John, a big salute to all who fought for this country. Love SKAT

John Posey
Date: 5/27/2015 4:51:00 AM

Thanks, Darlin'. hugs and kisses back at you.... your comments always sweeten my day..... Love Ya..... Jake

Donna Jones

Date: 12/6/2013 4:45:00 PM

Very very touching and awesome peace..God bless

Mpho Leteng

Date: 10/15/2013 7:39:00 AM

GREAT PEICE OF POETRY, LUV'D T

Richard D Seal

Date: 9/7/2013 7:31:00 PM

Wonderful tribute to the fallen Jake, Very moving. Take care, Richard

John Posey
Date: 9/8/2013 10:33:00 AM

Thanks Richard, This is one of 3 I wrote for past memorial days. You might like "What Would You Have Me Do?" and "Ballad of Sammy Taylor" .... Jake

Karen Anglesey

Date: 8/21/2013 3:43:00 PM

This one gave me goosebumps. So deeply moving. "The flag flies overhead -- unseen, by some, it seems,who hurry on their separate ways in search of private dreams" ...These lines are so true. It seems at times that some people never really appreciate their freedoms and why the keep them

John Posey
Date: 8/26/2013 12:24:00 PM

Thanks, Karen. Have you read "Ballad of Sammy Taylor?".... I believe it is one of my best ..... Jake

Connie Moore

Date: 7/4/2013 11:36:00 PM

Very well written. I have several about vietnam you may enjoy. Nice to see someone that writes it so well.

John Posey
Date: 7/5/2013 2:04:00 AM

Thank you, my sweet friend. I appreciate your visiting and leaving comments. One year later I wrote "What Would You Have Me Do?"....... Jake

Sheree Beasley

Date: 5/27/2013 1:55:00 PM

So sweet and passionate-like all our boys and girls.

John Posey
Date: 5/27/2013 2:10:00 PM

Thanks for your comment. I wrote this when there were no women in combat. Now we have brave women not only armed with m16s but those who pilot helicopters and f16 fighters. I need to update with a poem about Maggie with an m16... Jake

Timothy Hicks

Date: 5/26/2013 9:44:00 AM

This resonates with me... three weeks ago I lost a good friend to the war in Afghanistan, and I feel so conflicted. He was a friend and a man of God (he even had bible study groups with his fellow men). I just didn't agree with the war he was fighting in at all... I know might some call me unpatriotic by admitting that... but it's the truth. There is a lot of dirt buried in the media that they try to cover up... great poem anyhow! Don't mean to spill my drama here (I tend to do that)...

John Posey
Date: 5/26/2013 10:00:00 AM

Now, Friends, fathers, and even daughters can die too soon in battles not always accurately reported. This is one of three Memorial Day works I have written... My favorite is this year's "Ballad Of Sammy Taylor" that shows the real side of a war that most Americans despised our soldiers for fighting. Thanks so much, my friend, for your honest comments.... Jake

Suzanne Delaney

Date: 5/20/2013 9:34:00 PM

Lest we Forget. We can never repay them except in remembering them always. You have done it eloquently here, SuZ

John Posey
Date: 5/21/2013 3:48:00 AM

SuZ, I lope you enjoyed your visit to my portfolio. It is much appreciated.... Jake

Elai Cee

Date: 5/20/2013 7:24:00 AM

Hi John! Thanks anyway for your comment om my work. well, this makes me to remember our heroes to give honor to our country. Especially, my country! Proud to be Filipino. God bless---ELAI

John Posey
Date: 5/20/2013 5:34:00 PM

You work deserves all the praise it receives. I hope to visit you again soon... Jake