Do the fallen remember?

Some words.

                  Do the fallen remember?

I remember my father, held on to the rum and he held on to the memories of the Korean war blood. I would stay-up with him and I would help him walk to his bed. He told me often, my son. I killed and I killed, son. I couldn't kill enough to save my good friends John and Michael.

I stood in a graveyard outside of Paris. 50,000 white markers, a World War two graveyard. I read names of men, who cannot speak no-more. I wonder what they would say? Most were just boys and young men. Just beginning to live and now I stand in the field of silence. I hear whispers. Please no-more war.

I left war un-marked, my cold heart didn't know the mercy of burden yet. One day, good friends started to fall in Iraq in the new wars. War found me at home in Michigan and I learn my father's sadness. I sat by a good friend grave, killed in a far-away war. I told him. I am with you my good friend, I haven't forgot your smile and your laughter. I tell your children often. How much you loved them. They are beautiful and Megan is a mama now. The boy looked like you. I drink my friend favorite beer, Miller lite. I leave three cans by his grave-stone. I asked the sky. Do the fallen remember?

                                     Dancing Coyote

Author's Note

some words.

Reviews

[Ted Kniffen]

John, I believe there is a special place for the fallen...where there is no more pain...no horrific memories...no tears.
Do the fallen remember?...maybe it is enough that they are not forgotten. The survivors remember...they press on...make lives...look in on their buddie's children...do what needs to be done.
War affects so many.

A good write my friend.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Ted. You are right. We are the caretaker of memories of the good people lost to war.

[DIVYA]

The silence of those graves screams...no more war. Human beings are so easily destroyed. Life given just once is so tragically lost forever. If those graves could speak out their desolation, there would be perhaps no war.

[Coyote Poetry]

I believe you are right dear Divya. It is sad, the soldiers lost to war. Cannot speak.

[DIVYA]

Truly sad, my friend...

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A deeply sad and sensitive story here. The silence of the dead is a testament to war and its futility. You capture the right sombre tones in this and give the reader a clear picture of that grave and the emptiness of death.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you John for reading and the comment. No winners in war my friend.

[Zipho_D]

Salute to the lost souls of yesterday.
Great poem Coyote Poetry. Salute

[Sami Khalil]

Sad and touching. Has many personal experiences to run deeply with tears. Your words ask very serious questions about the reality of war and its sufferings. Song is very befitting.

[Coyote Poetry]

A amazing singer, she is. I appreciate the comment Sami.

[Sami Khalil]

All true. You are welcome.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i am sure they do...and this piece is so moving...those who carry on after the fallen are counted among the dead...and we can only speak to their spirits at grave sites.

j.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Jacob. I appreciate the kind words.