Walk a mile

They Stand Proud

They stand proud and stoic, parade-straight,
remembering brothers fallen, absent, late.
Gazing forward, they ignore the rain,
no hint of age, no sign of pain,
no anger, no railing at fate.

The hopes of nations carried weight,
but honour and dignity were innate,
and as they recall comrades slain,
they stand proud.

A bugle call sounds in measured gait,
mourning lives given for country and state.
Each year the service repeats again
regardless of weather, the same refrain,
and as these soldiers pay tribute on this date,
they stand proud.


Rondeau. Written 7 September 2014.