VETERAN'S DAY

One small hand reaches out
To touch a name written in stone
She struggles to understand
So much is still unknown
The red poppy in her coat 
Serves as a reminder of you
You who served overseas
When Uncle Sam asked you to
She never knew you, only stories told
Of the smile and laugh, games you'd play
Coffee with the guys, teasing the girls
The love shown each day
She's too young to comprehend
The fighting, the dying, the fear
Her world is puppies and unicorns
Tanks and machine guns have no place here
One day she'll be grown up
She'll find out about the past
A red poppy will mean more than Grandpa
It's for all the soldiers, first to last
For every one who gave up all
Who died in every fight
We pledge to remember them
They will not be forgotten in the night
For now she stands, places her hand in mine
Her eyes gaze up at me
So full of trust and hope
She's so brave, though she's only three
Grandpa was a soldier, Daddy is too
We wait for him to return
She sends him pictures she colors
Until the ABC's she can learn
Mommy, she says, her voice quiet
When I get as big as you
Will you come to my wedding?
Can I marry a soldier too?
I promise I'll be there
But it may take a while
Don't be in too much of a rush
To walk down the aisle
As long as he loves you and treats you right
Marry a soldier if you want to
But if you change your mind before then
Don't worry, I'll always love you
A single white rose we lay on the grave
A silent goodbye before we walk away
Next year we'll be back to say thanks again
To a special soldier on Veteran's Day

Copyright ©2005  Leah Hall Slootweg