MEMORIAL  DAY

Some deaths keep waving at us
like stars and stripes on a red, white
and blue flag, flapping in the wind.


Some deaths don’t disappear even if
names rub off and fade from tombstones.


We keep on picturing a stream
of red blood flowing from a brother
or sister who died by a sudden shot
or explosive moment – in some sodden,
soaken place – some moment so long ago.


Or we see a plane on fire – shot down –
falling in slow motion down through the sky.


Or we imagine a sunken ship –
a metal casket at the bottom
of blurred water – the remains of a loved one
surrounded by an ocean of tears.


The waters, the skies, the soil of earth
has been the scene and screen
of so much history and mystery.


But, of course, the earth is also filled
with so many places of beauty and celebration –
sacred places where people said to each other,
"I love you” or “Will you marry me!”


Pause. Stop. Think. Realize.


Each of us can make each place –
a place of war or peace,
love or hate, fist or handshake.


Each day – especially on a day like today,
we can remember the impact
we have on each other
for better and for worse –
for life or for death.


We are our sister’s and brother’s keepers.

© Andy Costello, Reflections 2011

Picture on top: This is a picture
I found on line of the Robert B. Seyler
grave in the American Cemetery
in Normandy France.
Notice the French word,
"merci" - "Thanks!"
on the flag.