In memory of all those who pledged their lives for our freedom, this beautiful poem says it all this Remembrance Day

The Veteran

Alone he sits, ‘midst the chaotic room

The children, the colours, breaking the gloom

Watching and waiting, reliving the fear

Thinking of those he once held near and dear

The hurt and the pain, so clear in his eye

It’s a challenge to breathe as he tries not to cry

Memories of the past as fresh as the day

Silently, quietly, he chooses to pray

Slowly the others begin to arrive

The “wheelchairs’, the “walkers”, some barely alive

Decked out in their finest, their medals aglow

What goes on in their heads, only they know

The piper begins his tearful refrain

The hymns of the past, all over again

The struggle to stand is too much for some

“Stay seated, be honoured, your work is done”

“Learn from our suffering, avoid future pain”

“Don’t let our losses be suffered in vain”

Love one another, let’s pray peace will come

Thank you dear Veteran, our freedom you won
– Mel Elliott, Canadian Poet