(A Memorial Day poem dedicated to heroes and their parents)

On the porch with someone I thought was
really someone I knew
I learned that friendships are not what they seem

When her question stunned me
and I found myself
staring at the floor.

Why, she asked, didn't you talk
and change your child's decision
from joining a force that'll send him to war
leaving you dry and crying.

Then with a pride not understood
by many prosperous and free
and grace's patience guiding me through
I spoke to her with ease:

My child believes his calling is higher,
one among the few
led to serve his country,
lay down his life for our children,
for folks like me and you

Our future to ensure and save
from an enemy who swears to destroy
the nation our fathers gave us
with their own generation's blood.

A sacrifice made to give you the right
to sit here free to speak
or worship as you see fit
without the threat of death.
Precious gifts you could very well lose
without children of Dads who cry in private
and Mama's just like me.

Then with not a word she walked away
believing I'd lost my mind
that 9/11 was just a dream
dust settled and forgotten

No grasp that her intellect, Hollywood,
nor Wall Street highs
could save her precious freedoms
and comfortable way of life

But only the American Soldiers,
Airmen, Navy, and Marines
sons and daughters on a higher call
battling enemies foreign to domestic

The Mama's child who finally gave all
and comrades she'll never forget
whose legacies will never die
as long as she has a breath.

Yes, my child believed his calling was one
among the very few
to serve his country, protect, and die
for our children, me and you.

Our future to ensure and save
from an enemy who swears they'll destroy
the life our fathers gave us
with their own precious blood.

Yes, Mamas like me and Daddys, too
give up our children to serve
the higher call for freedom and life
for our children, for me and you.