Heroes

This is a sample poem from my second book "Chosen vanities"

11th November 2011

Today, I will remain a while
In this silent act of gratitude
And there remember them, and there
Remember you, who did not die
Returned alive to this land fit for heroes
Speaking little, although we heard you still
Your reticence bearing its own quiet testimony
To the courage and the tragedy
But you were not spared your own share of sorrow
You bore the losses in your uncomplaining way
Until that last indignity
Some unkept geriatric ward
Where old people go to fade away
But today, my wordlessness bears witness
Of debts that I cannot repay
And so, for this short time today
I will be still and remember

(c) Edward Rhodes (2013)