These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Memorial Day 2022

So many are the stones, that lie
across the ruddy field.
Each stone a soldier laid there by
some cause his soul did yield.

What days now gone, and times unknown,
like births or wedding days.
Their days before, so fast have flown,
we're left with words of praise.

The greatest gift each e'er could give,
now graved in granite slab,
while days of silence families live,
and memories painful stab.

As buttresses upon this House,
each sacrifice makes strong.
No Freedom's flame will aught e'er douse,
while The Banner lifts their song.

Some long away, though few just passed
as memory stings the eyes,
but bread upon the waters cast
brings Hope's great lasting prize.
(Ecclesiastes 11:1,KJV)

by Jay O’Toole
on May 27th, 2022