written for Memorial Day 2011

Rows upon rows of crosses,

each, a life once lived.

A voice no more, a smile once seen,

they gave all they had to give.



A silence, now, their companion -

the sounds of war long gone -

no gas, no bombs, no bullets tear;

We say a sad "so long".



"So long," to all our heroes

of wars fought, lost and won.

For mother's sons, long gone and mourned,

once loved. Each and every one.



A fleeting day comes once a year,

a time to stop and pray,

not only for our fallen

but those who fight today.



So, spare a thought for those, today,

who in the heavens roam,

remember that they gave their lives

and never made it home.



Rose Dempsey 28th May 2011