Memorial Day

Recall the fallen.

Oh, bring them back to pause before
the thrice-barred gate of memory's door
where time and space and death stand guard.

Recall the fallen.

Yes, bring their faces now to mind,
cold comfort to those left behind,
and hold them all in high regard
whose headstones march across the sward.

Recall the fallen.

Their bodies fill the charnel field;
they gave up light and love to shield
their countrymen from fear and strife.

Recall the fallen.

Now mourn their loss, proclaim the pain,
and vow their deaths are not in vain;
hold fast the freedom bought with life
and youth cut down by conflict's knife.

Recall the fallen.