I understand why we protect the wildflowers now.

Wildflowers are protected in Michigan. Took me years to understand why.

                 I understand why we protect the wildflowers now.

I sit on the hill in the midst of a wildflower field.
Small flowers moving in the gentle breeze.

I sit at bay from a good friend grave.
I came to tell him that, I was alright.

His death broke me down.
I stayed home and he went to war alone.

We were comrades in many battles for 12 years.
Raised our children together.
He joined the National Guard and I was tire of war.

The howling storm of war.
Took my friend on three tours in Iraq.
A roll-over in Iraq took a father of two beautiful girl .
On the final journey.

I hear the leader's telling me.
God is on our side.
This war is worth the blood of our men and woman.

I lay with the wildflowers.
Allowing them to take me to a better place.
I see my friend face. I remember his smile and can hear his laughter
when I close my eyes.

I know what he would tell me.
"What done is done. Take care of my babies and don't cry for me.
I died for love, freedom and the untried. War is hell. Don't let my
children forget how much I loved them."

My friend loved the country.
He lived in a small town who cried a thousand tears for him at his funeral.
Now his grave is decorated with a bronze star and fresh flowers from his daughter.

I planted wildflowers seeds around his grave.
Drank two miller's beer and left four for him.
I whispered to the wind. "Please take care of a good Soldier and friend."

The wildflowers are dancing in the breeze.
I looked at the wildflowers, free and uncontrolled. I think it is good to be like a wildflower.
Never be locked in or  forgotten.
I understand now why we protect the wildflowers.

I salute my friend's grave.
Do a silence prayer and whisper.
"I will insure you will not be forgotten."

                            Coyote
                     John Castellenas
                       2013


 

Author's Note

Any errors. Never too old to learn. Please assist.

Reviews

[That_Girl]

Needs an edit for punctuation mainly. A few spots where periods should be commas, singular words should be plural, etc. etc. If you'd like them all pointed out, I can message you.

I love the poem overall, it's filled with grief and despair but also optimism and acceptance. Well done, Coyote!

[Coyote Poetry]

I would appreciate the help. Hard for me to edit with great skill.

[Cascara (aka Sprint Goe..]

this is a beautiful and heartfelt story revolving around wildflowers.

in a way, i saw this as a tribute to nature

[Summer]

I love the poem overall, it's filled with grief and despair but also optimism and acceptance. Well done.

[Bluefire]

"He lived in a small town who cried a thousand tears for him at his funeral."
This is and amazing story of sadness, fond memories and loss, with a smidge of hope at the end. I love the ending, it tells that you will move on and keep your friend's spirit alive within you as you travel through life.
At times it was a little hard to read, but it was still good and I got the general idea even in those hard times.
Well done! ^^

[Pax]

real friendship is the best and always be remembered... i like this poem for it shows your heart not only to your friend but to nature, freedom and childrens.... which speak asking for peacefulness and love...
Great job my friend.

[J. F. Charleston]

Amazing! To be honest, the best kind of pieces are the ones that have a special inspiration behind it. I loved this one!

[AK]

Wow! This poem Is amazing! The plot is so well thought and leaves the reader feeling wonderful. Keep writing!

[Renée]

Dear Coyote..
I believe you have written of this friendship before if I remember right..Thank you for sharing this piece...A loving tribute of remembrance..fitting since Nature has so many stories & lessons.. those flowers lift our spirits without asking anything in return...the least we can do is protect them as destructive as our world is becoming...
God Bless You Coyote & Your Friend's Family

[Fallen Angel]

I like the poem. It's a very nice thought. Wildflowers.

"I think it is good to be like a wildflower. Never be locked in or forgotten."
-That is my favorite line. Good read. Great write. :)

[Sid]

Beautifully written, this is a touching tribute and you bring out the emotions so very well...great write!

[Michael Kevin Spencer]

Way to pull at the heart strings Coyote!

10th line, tire(d)