Good morning, all. Today in the USA and many other countries we honor the memory of those who have given their lives for what they believe in. We honor courage and self-sacrifice. We think of those who have laid aside selfish interests to support freedom for their countries and especially, their children. We think of war heroes, yes, but also firefighters, police officers, health care personnel, all our first responders and those who sacrifice themselves, day in and day out, in jobs that serve others.

In order that the dedicated Chris Galford may enjoy some time to himself, we’ve decided to offer a prompt in honor of Memorial Day. Instead of enjoying Pretzels and Bullfights, today let’s write a poem in homage to those we’ve mentioned above.

Over the centuries and across the globe, many poets have done the same, among them: William Shakespeare, Wilfred Owens, Robinson Jeffers, Walt Whitman, Carl Sandburg, Matthew Arnold, Rudyard Kipling, Anne Sexton, William Blake and Randall Jarrell. For a bit of inspiration I offer you this poem written in 1865, during the era of the American Civil War, written by Walt Whitman.

Reconciliation

Word over all, beautiful as the sky,
beautiful that way and all its deeds of
carnage must in time be utterly lost,
That the hands of the sisters Death and Night
incessantly softly wash again, and ever again,
this soiled world;
For my enemy is dead, a man as divine as myself
is dead,
I look where he lies white-faced and still
in the coffin—
I draw near,
Bend down and touch lightly with my lips
the white face in the coffin.

Walt Whitman, 1865

If you would like to post your own tribute poem, here’s what to do:
• Write your poem and post it on your blog or website;
• Access Mr. Linky at the bottom of this page and add your name and the direct link to your poem’s URL;
• If you have time, visit one another’s work and comment;
• For today, let’s avoid the politics of war and focus on the gifts that others have given of themselves.
• Go out and enjoy the day, whether you live in a country that celebrates Memorial Day or not.

For dVerse Poets Pub, I’m Victoria C. Slotto, happy to be filling in today for Chris and wishing for all of us the hope that peace will someday be a reality.

Photo from Wikipedia