21 Guns

Posted on 05/27/2024 by Andrew Reynolds

Twenty-one Guns
 
The tour bus rumbles past
the quiet monuments to the fallen.
Shutters click as the tour guide
speaks the litany of the shrine,
that once was the Lee estate.
Now it is that hallowed ground
where solders come for that long rest.
 
The Quick rumble past the carved stones
of the Dead, that once placed
boots of war on their feet.
Their soles now silent.
Now day-trippers take aim and fire.
Cameras, not rifles.
Pictures, not prisoners taken.
 
The bus stops. The microphone is silent.
To the left a horse pulls a caisson carrying a flag-draped box
That contains a name who once walked.
The warrior sent at our command.
The sightseer sees and falls silent
And hears the echo of guns.
Three volleys and then the mournful notes.
 
Boys became men
And men became names
And names became graves
Gone is the sun,
Day is done.
God is Nigh.
 
I wrote this poem a number of years ago after a visit to Arlington National Cemetery during a visit to Washington DC. I’ve been privileged to have three visits to our nation’s capital in my life and each time I go, I enter the gates of Arlington to pay my respects to the men and women who gave their lives in the service of our nation. It is my hope that we will learn to live in peace so that no one ever again need surrender their life to defend our freedom.

About Andrew Reynolds

Born in California Did the school thing studying electronics, computers, release engineering and literary criticism. I worked in the high tech world doing software release engineering and am now retired. Then I got prostate cancer. Now I am a blogger and work in my wood shop doing scroll saw work and marquetry.
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22 Responses to 21 Guns

  1. Baydreamer - Lauren Scott says:
    05/29/2024 at 9:03 pm

    A perfect poem for Memorial Day, Andrew. Visiting Arlington National Cemetery is an emotional experience. “We will never forget.” Thanks for sharing again.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  2. Mama's Empty Nest says:
    05/29/2024 at 1:46 pm

    Perfect words appropriate for Memorial Day. Your poem is wonderful, Andrew. Visiting Arlington is a sobering experience.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. mitchteemley says:
    05/27/2024 at 2:52 pm

    Deeply moving words, my friend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. cindy knoke says:
    05/27/2024 at 10:29 am

    Powerful. Happy Memorial Day. Long may we remember 🪖💔🥀

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  6. brilliantviewpoint says:
    05/27/2024 at 9:03 am

    Perfect poem for today! Very well written. 🙏🇺🇸

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Dave says:
    05/27/2024 at 8:30 am

    Thank you for re-posting today, Andrew. One of your best.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. Sheila Landry Designs says:
    05/27/2024 at 7:55 am

    I have never had the opportunity to visit Arlington. It looks to be a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing your lovely poem. Have a great day.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. joynealkidney says:
    05/27/2024 at 7:46 am

    That last stanza is so compelling. Thank you, Andrew.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. Jacqui Murray says:
    05/27/2024 at 7:07 am

    You capture it well.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. Judith says:
    05/27/2024 at 7:05 am

    Beautiful and thoughtful.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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