These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

It Was for Us

So many days and nights they trudged
to give a lasting place to stay
to future fam'lies, friends, who judged
the lives they lived in book display.

They had a simple task to do,
to shoot down foes or be shot down.
The lives they took, they seldom knew,
except when Christmas hopes abound.

In 1914 truce was made
'tween soldiers known as "them and us."
When over, arms they new displayed,
and many lay in silent dust.

In life they marched as rank and file,
took orders from the ones, who led.
In death their rows remain awhile
'neath stones, that mark the ones, who bled.

The ones still standing mark each year.
On Veterans Day we bless those lives.
Memorial Day with sadness dear,
supporting all that love survives.

My granddad joined up very young.
He was sent home with age found out.
He ran away, 'twas soon among
his soldier peers in strong redoubt.

My dad in sub was Jonah's friend.
He ran from God, Who called him, "Go."
On floor of sea three days heart rend,
he told God, "Yes," pulpit to know.

The ones of us, who cherish all
each freedom's bliss for many years,
"Please, help us, God, to answer call
to keep each footprint sown in tears."

Though foreign fields I have not marched,
my duty, "Vote, and jury serve."
I pray I'm wise for they were parched.
"God, stand me fast to never swerve."

O, blessed soldiers, ever hailed
are beacons in the growing night.
Your lives held fast, though oft assailed.
With tears for home, you stood to fight.

by Jay O’Toole
on July 29th, 2022