Memorial

Separation is the state of final

acknowledgement of the absolute.

Existing in relation to all, you cannot

complete yourself but we will be here,

remembering your name, speaking humbly,

offering colorful ribbons and tears.

Sacrifice is the act, the act that ends.

Who made the choice is not the point to argue;

you were chosen or made the choice yourself.

Whether the cause was just or not or moot,

something was required and you were loss.

Now, you  have that knowing that eludes us.

Placated, soothed by ritualistic words,

we read hollow text and embarrassed by

uncouth grief and the shriek of loss we pray,

speaking of the Ultimate Sacrifice;

we whisper the name of that demigod.

Here….we will never have that knowing.

Guilt is the word, the word that tells,

leaving no room for elaboration.

We wrap and place your bones with no dreams in

The Cave of the Devoured Prolifics.

On occasion, we hear their soft clacking;

lighting short candles, we appease with chants.

Comments

6 responses to “Memorial”

  1. Anne Avatar
    Anne

    Very timely poem, and very beautifully put, I feel, as an antidote to all the rhetoric that will get said soon (and I often wonder just how sincere it is). A quiet strength runs through this …

    1. Leo Avatar

      Thanks, Anne. This is an old poem which, I’m afraid, will never be dated. It really hurts when you know that many deaths are completely unnecessary and are caused by the whim of one or few persons far removed from danger or even reality. I cringe whenever I hear the phrase, “ultimate sacrifice”, no matter who says it. You have a great day!

  2. ruleofstupid Avatar

    I like that this looks with more depth than is common – interconnectedness, blame, guilt and other emotions and thoughts. Also like The Cave of the Devoured Prolifics – Good word for a cemetery!

    1. Leo Avatar

      Thank you, so much, for commenting. Leo

  3. Susan L Daniels Avatar

    One word here: Wow.

    Potent, powerful stuff here, Leo.

    1. Leo Avatar

      Thanks for reading, Susan.

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