John Lawless Poet Free verse

Veteran's Day - 2015

Veteran’s Day - 2015


This day
	all flags
shed
	bloodied shadows
upon
	sacred soil
dotted
	with stilled crosses.

This day
parades
	weary soldiers

smile
	at the few who line the streets

march
	to familiar cadence

salute
	flag’s half mast history

weep
	as Taps resounds

across
	each generation’s tears.

This day
Peace
	will solemnly descend

upon those
	who kept her safe.



John G. Lawless
11/5/2015

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

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

David Walker December 22, 2020 at 2:33 AM Thanks for this one John. Like many others here I served in the Army, so very long ago now. This piece is well written.

Oliver Mckeithan January 7, 2018 at 2:27 PM Thanks for sharing this poem John. I served in the Air Force 45 years ago. While never experiencing combat, I knew and know many who have and this poem says it. We owe a debt to all who served and those still serving.

Randy Johnson January 2, 2018 at 10:01 AM This reminds me of my Dad, who quit school at age 15, lied about his age, joined the Navy, and served on a PT boat during the Italian campaign in WW2. It also reminds me of my trip to Pearl Harbor and the Arizona memorial. Special reminders of the debt we owe to those who sacrificed on our behalf. You captured it.

Rich Reitz June 16, 2017 at 9:03 AM Thank you for this magnificent poem, John. As a retired Army Staff Sergeant, I really appreciate your words. I wish the entire country could read this poem. I wonder how we became so apathetic toward our patriotism.

Gary Bateman November 11, 2015 at 6:52 AM Hello John!! Congratulations on the POTD honor. A quite excellent write for sure. You most certainly honor all of our veterans with your most meaningful and solemn words here. (And, as a retired military veteran myself, I can attest that the words of your poem here have a very deep significance for me -- YES!!) Thanks for taking the time write this wonderful tribute!! It's a FAV for me too!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Michael Tor November 10, 2015 at 12:04 AM Love this write John. What a tribute! Excellent. You honor many. Congratulations on your POTD! John Lawless November 10, 2015 at 8:34 AM Thank you Michael for stopping by to comment.

Sandra Haight November 9, 2015 at 6:48 PM Powerful Veteran's Day poem, John. Wonderful tribute to our men and women who served our country. Congrats on your POTD! Sandra John Lawless November 10, 2015 at 8:33 AM Thanks Sandra, appreciate your support

Red Barchettadrive November 9, 2015 at 12:27 AM Amen John! Congrats on this honor bestowed on your work, best bestowed on behalf of the great men & women that have stood to keep you & I free. I appreciate them all and the light you've shared with your pen. 7+ John Lawless November 10, 2015 at 8:32 AM thanks for stopping by to comment and for the high mark

Anisha Dutta November 8, 2015 at 3:55 PM Splendid composition. Congrats for the poem of the day. Anisha D John Lawless November 8, 2015 at 8:28 PM Thanks for stopping by Anisha.

Eve Roper November 8, 2015 at 3:05 PM Inspiring!!! Great write, John, and congratulations on poem of the day! John Lawless November 8, 2015 at 8:28 PM Thanks Eve It is nice to have it as the poem of the day..

Anne-Lise Andresen November 8, 2015 at 12:58 PM - Great poem, John ! - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d. !!! - hugs // Anne-Lise :) John Lawless November 8, 2015 at 8:27 PM Thanks Anne Lise.

Connie Marcum Wong November 8, 2015 at 12:11 PM This is wonderful John. Perfect to honor the Veterans. Congratulations on it being selected for POTD! John Lawless November 8, 2015 at 8:26 PM Thank you Connie, always nice to hear from you.

Kim Merryman November 8, 2015 at 11:34 AM John, congrats on POTD! Your poem is well deserving of the honor. Love, Kim John Lawless November 8, 2015 at 8:25 PM Thanks Kim your comments are always appreciated

Richard Lamoureux November 8, 2015 at 10:42 AM What a perfect choice for POTD! John Lawless November 8, 2015 at 8:25 PM Thanks Richard

Jan Allison November 8, 2015 at 8:26 AM A touching poem for Remembrance Sunday - congrats on Poem of the day John:-) hugs Jan xx7 John Lawless November 8, 2015 at 8:24 PM Thanks Jan appreciate your support.

John Fleming November 8, 2015 at 1:49 AM Sometimes people have to pick up arms and march towards the sound of the guns...We cannot always choose our own destiny - But we can fight to avoid it! The people you honour fought for their choice of destiny - And thus ensured ours! Very well done on POTD! Best regards! :-) john John Lawless November 8, 2015 at 8:23 PM Thanks John for reading and commenting.

Gail Foster November 7, 2015 at 4:07 PM 'flags shed bloodied shadows'...beautiful. You get my first '7'. All the best x John Lawless November 8, 2015 at 8:22 PM Thanks Gail...I consider it an honor to be the recipient of your first '7'.

Kim Merryman November 7, 2015 at 1:51 PM An excellent write for Veteran's Day, John! I love the formatting - it made each point stand out. This really touched me. Going in my favs! Love, Kim John Lawless November 8, 2015 at 8:22 PM Thanks Kim. I did my service time in the '60's....and so I have a deep respect for all who serve.