The Color of Love (Poetry)

Unfurled, the red, white and blue drapes

across the still body of my Richard.

While the lone bugle sings to the slain;

son, husband, father and best friend.

Did your eyes suffer the horror of war?

Or perchance blessed visions of summer picnics

and sleepy twins beneath Americana quilt

unfurled, the red, white and blue drapes.

Two little boys won’t understand today

why Daddy can’t finish the tree house,

and tears will fall for a long time as I gaze

across the still body of my Richard.

A medal pressed against the flesh of my hand.

Dozens of lives saved by one man’s heroic act.

Those grateful raise their hands and salute

while the lone bugle sings to the slain.

No greater gift a man could ever give.

Just words, then I look in other soldiers’ eyes

and my heart swells with grief and pride for

son, husband, father and best friend.