Decorated ~ November 11, 2014

           

                  art ~  Phillipe Sainte-Laudy

 

            In remembrance...

 

I was that little girl again

with the red paper poppy pinned to my dress

staring wide eyed

at the parade of men and women,

decorated and dressed in

                                   courage

                           proudly on display

 

heroes

not asking for applause, but accepting it

with humble smiles

 

but this time,

I didn’t fidget with the red paper poppy

when silence fell

and heads bowed in prayer

for those who never knew

                      the joy of coming home

 

Home…

a little emptier without you in it

 

            still,

the medals that decorated your chest

rest in peace

on the little wooden shelf

above the hearth…

 

courage

proudly on display

 

in remembrance

        of you…

 

a little girl’s hero…

my hero

 

                                                I miss you Dad

Author's Note

Growing up, every Veteran's Day would be spent watching my father lead his VFW troup in the local parade. He would pin a red paper poppy to my dress. After the parade, I would run around trying to find more poppies to make a little bouquet - not truly understanding what they stood for...This is the first year since my father passed away that I've had the strength to go to the services without him. I'm glad I went.

Reviews

[willweb]

Julie, I am not sure which is more beautiul, your wondrous poem in tribute to your father and those we have lost or your Author's Notes. I absolutely loved both. The poem was heart breaking and the story of you collecting more poppies to make a bouquet. I remember the Veteran's Day parades in my home town, we would decorate our bikes and ride at the end of the parade which would end up at the VFW hall. Great memories brought on by a wonderful poetess.

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind words :) Julie

[Matching Socks]

Gosh, this is so moving. I wish I could reach across the miles to hug you.
Beautiful poem Julie.

[MsJewel]

Thank you my sweet friend. I can feel your hug from here! :)Julie

[Matching Socks]

Awwww, I'm glad. :-)

[Lyn Anderson]

This poem is so beautiful. It moved me to tears, and goosebumps, all at once.

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind words :) Julie

[s y e]

Wow Julie, this is a great tribute to your Father and I know he would be over the moon you mustered up the strength to go to the service without him. His little beautiful girl, now his amazing gorgeous keeping a little tradition going. This is a great tribute to your father and Veterans Day.

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind, compassionate words sweet Noodle! Hugs, Julie

[R Smith]

a fine tribute to your Father, must be hard to see the parade without your dad, this is a truly beautiful poem in remembrance thank you for posting :)

[MsJewel]

Thank you Richard. My father was a special man :) Julie

[Zakari Schmidt]

Courage is not attire many wear well and glory is something held within, never to be taken. As hard of a write as this may have been, know that it's beautiful, reflecting the man your father was, as well as the sacrifice of those who answer the call. Your emotion illuminates your talent

[MsJewel]

Thank you for sweet compassionate words :) Julie

[Jeannette Lunete]

This is so beautiful. It reflects the warm bound that will connect you with him forever. Red poppies are falling from Heaven in this moment. Poppies of pride. I'm amazed by your strength to write about it. It glorifies every single word even more.

[MsJewel]

Thank you Jeannette :) Julie

[stars are far]

that was very beautiful work, really i hope he is resting in peace and i pray for your happiness... i was actually attracted to your titel since 11 novmeber is my birthday, and so sad its a sad day for you..

[MsJewel]

Thank you and Happy Birthday! :) Julie

[onceloved]

This is a very BEAUTIFUL tribute to your Dad someone who was a hero to you every day I know how much you are missing him in your life Julie. Days when you needing a reassuring hugs the most your Dad was always there for you, telling you very thing is going to be okay. :) Larry

[MsJewel]

Thank you Larry. You are very kind :) Julie

[onceloved]

You're Welcome Julie. :) Larry

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Wow Julie, you certainly tugged at my heart strings with this heartfelt dedication to your dad.

[MsJewel]

Thank you Sweet Cowboy :) Julie

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

You are very welcome carling Julie.