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

===

edited November 11, 2014

Standing Straighter – v3

Veteran’s Day

edited May 25, 2014

Standing Straighter – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/05/standing-straighter-v2.html

May 25, 2008

Standing Straighter

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/05/standing-straighter.html

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.