Alone

“There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.”— Aeschylus 

Alone

on this 4th of July morning

the sounds of sleep,

peace surrounds me.

Birds call, content

in the gentle, warm wind

of this summer day

dedicated to remembrance.

I can see you now

when I close my eyes.

I took you to the parade!

You were just two then,

clasping my hand

as the big firetrucks rolled by!

Amazed, smiling, happy.

Perhaps later today

I’ll find some flowers

red, and white, and blue

to cover your marker

to make you smile

and take my hand.