Symbolism...

I am often struck
speechless
by symbolism

as I am
by the music
that plays though out
the songbook of my life

and I weep...

the vision of a grieving mother
being offered a folded flag
as a token of a county's esteem

the ideology of a veteran
laying his own medal
on the coffin of a brother in arms
that didn't make it out

the depth and breath
of honor and
heart gripping glory
in the colors of our county

combined with
the heart wrenching
music of the era

brings on feelings
of utter loss

complete and total loss
for that which has not happened to me

for those that have been lost
that I never knew

and now
stand no chance
of ever meeting

I am bereft.