by Lou Marin
The haunting skirl of bag-pipes
playing Amazing Grace coming from
hissing, popping speakers
gave way to the narrator’s voice.
“For those who gave the ultimate price
today we raise a toast.”
The ballroom lamps were turned low
except the spotlight
shining upon a small table.
“You may have noticed the table before you.
It is set for our prisoners of war
and those missing in action.“
“They are not with us today.
The chairs are empty.
We pray for their return
in their absence.”
My Chief,
a gruff bear of a man
wept openly.
“A white table cloth shows purity,
the purity of their desire
to respond to their nation’s call,
a call to preserve freedom for their children.”
The slow, precise movements
of the Wing’s Heritage Team
added power to the words
and tears to the eyes
of American Patriots
gathered for the ceremony.
“The single rose reminds us
of loved ones and families
who keep the faith and await their return.
“A slice of lemon reminds us
of the bitter fate of POW’s and MIA’s
if we do not bring them home.
Let us remember them.”
My tears flowed free
as I solemnly thought
what freedom meant to me.
“Looking upon the empty table
do not remember ghosts dead and gone,
but our comrades in arms one and all.
Those we depended on in battle
now depend upon us to bring them home.”
The Heritage team prescribed
a slow, uniform salute,
white gloved hands
slowly coming to brow
in honor of lost fighting men.
“Remember these friends, POW or MIA.
They are loved ones to cherish
as they loved the lives and freedoms
they gave up for us.”
As taps slowly sounded
the end of the ceremony
I silently talked to God,
asking Him to bless one and all.
Let it never be in vain
that some give all.
Freedom.
___________________________
Lou Marin, a Christian grateful for Jesus’ gift to him, was born and raised in the western hills of Maine, then spent 20 plus years wandering the country and world in the United States Air Force. Maine Department of American Legion’s Historian, he is a photographer and stringer for The Maine Trust for Local News, published poet and short story writer who pens faith based devotionals. He lives in Rumford, Maine. He is author of an anthology of poems based upon his military career entitled “Dimly Seen Through The Mists,” and a book of faith based poems entitled “My Lighthouse In Troubled Times,” available through Pen It! Publications.
Lou can be reached at mbsphotog@yahoo.com or his Facebook Page. His poetry can also be read here: Dimly Seen Through the Mist: Military Poetry
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