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

[Fran Marie]

This is a beautiful tribute to your dad and in remembrance of all veterans...so wonderfully penned...

[MsJewel]

Thank you Fran :) Julie

[icelandicblue]

I am sorry too Jewel. It is hard to revisit those things you did together. Your poem gathers the pain you carry and the pride have in your father as you honor all veterans on a most somber day. A wonderful tribute to your dad and to all that served.

[MsJewel]

Thanks so much for your kind words :) Julie

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i am so sorry about your father, Julie...

but this poem is so strong...no fidgeting...just that poppy worn through your words that really give him and others honor and gratitude...

beautiful, heartfelt piece. the words march on.

[MsJewel]

Thank you Jacob. I appreciate you and your friendship :) Julie

[Clockwork]

This poem is absolutely gorgeous for so many reasons. You take the reader on that journey into the past when you write about the red poppies. Those flowers become a symbol of remembrance, which you so poignantly convey in your third stanza.

The second half of this poem is a wonderful remembrance, a beautiful tribute to your father. The way you link the two halves by mentioning his meddles is amazing. That reference creates a stunning juxtaposition with the red poppies. Your lines are so emotionally honest, so incredibly tender.

I'm in awe of this wonderful tribute; he sounds like a true hero. May he rest.

[MsJewel]

thank you for your lovely comment and compliment. :) Julie