Passing does taps bring
the flag folded so neatly
upon her lap - it now sits
weep the years of loneliness
she holds it to breast
as a new found babe
rocking it to sleep
as shots persist
echoing death of her soldier
Passing does taps bring
her tears began the pain
as null we sit in stride
echoing remorse came over
until the never-ending sound
of gun shots in respect cease
his last gentle touch of a rose
she placed upon his new found home
still she fell faint
Passing does taps bring
wobbling to her life without love
long is the night in the wake
beer laughter and sorrow
of old acquaintance called buds
the trees stood erect
as to salute our soldier
to think in a moment in time
it came to this - DEATH
A contest entry
- #116 Winklings on Wednesdays: Write a poem about women in death by Lyndon.
1500 points, ended September 15, 2008, 10 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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Your three stanzas are worthy. The refrain of the first line is effective. Two deaths here: death of her soldier and the death of a life with love. There is a haunting element to this poem that I find it difficult to put my finger on, but it's there! Although this free verse is a set piece, it is still vivid and emotive.
The setting is sad but appropriate to the death of self at a military funeral of a loved one, a soldier.
Thank you for your entry of dignity in verse.
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This is an interesting poem - I really like the way you have brought such emotion to the piece
the last stanza was beautifully done - especially the parts about the trees standing and saluting! Good luck in the contest
Keep writing
Polly
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Very emotional.
This is a wonderful poem you have written which makes me feel sad.It is unique in this competition because it is recent, but it still has the same sense of foreboding for the woman concerned.
A very vivid picture comes to my mind as I read your words. I like the feel of "echoing death of her soldier."
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To witness a military service with the honor of a rifle salute and the ritual folding of the flag will touch the heart of anyone. The quiet dignity of the widows and the mothers when laying a soldier to rest stands as part of the character of the fallen. This poem has good content.
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Thank you for your beautiful, somber poem.
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