Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Standing Straighter – v3

Something, I cannot fully explain;
but certain and true each time,
on the side of the Main Street
the parade route into the city
standing when they passed

They marched, they march each year
those who came home,
some of our nation’s best
who served our country
that we may remain free

Gathered by their wars,
marching still, together,
even if a bit slower yet;
I find myself, erect
standing as they pass

Standing straighter, taller,
my hand on my heart, for them
applauding them, their courage
their willingness to go
into foreign lands

Into harms’ way, so that we,
that I, my children,
can live in a land of freedom
So each year I am by the curbside
standing to honor them,
our nation’s veterans


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edited November 11, 2014
Standing Straighter – v3

Veteran’s Day
edited May 25, 2014
Standing Straighter – v2
May 25, 2008
Standing Straighter
Memorial Day
written at church, before
the Rejuvenation evening service
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,900+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

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