memorial

BE   MINDFUL

Have a thought for the hurt and sad

who wander the face of the earth

dour zombies of a bombed-out life,

victims of an aborted birth

of plans and dreams,

hopes and schemes.

They're mobile museums of war's memorabilia

with windows opaque to inquisitive eyes

so no one may peer at the

treasure of nightmares,

the screams and tears,

taunts and jeers.

Be mindful, Friend, and have a thought,

as though by thinking we can care.

And should our caring prompt an action,

make it gentle, undemanding,

such as, "Here's my shoulder"

or "Thank you, soldier."

And if that action spurs reaction from a

long abandoned, garrisoned soul,

you may become a privileged viewer

of young men crying....

warriors dying....

Death's subtle rattle

in the thunder of battle.

So have a thought

and give a care

and search for treasures

hidden there.

©2013 gryfyn flynn

aka m. huffman