At the military cemetery
There is something in the air,
Here, among the dead,
Something is left unsaid.
 
The dignitaries lay wreaths
Then leave, their duty done.
But, the final song is unsung,
A tolling bell not rung.
 
The veterans then stand
And march to a slow, silent drum.
Bent arms bring
Wrinkled hands to the brow,
As they salute,
Saying, “Bye for now, old chum”.
 
That was how it went,
They were not acknowledging
The great event,
The history,
The turning of the tide.
They were focussed
On their mates who died.
 
And,
 
If they could have their wish
To see their pals again;
If those pale stones
Could once more be men!
What a hymn together
They would sing.
Raised up to stand again,
Shoulder to shoulder,
Rank by rank by rank;
Risen, to sing one
Last and great “Amen”.

 
75th D Day anniversary - June 2019