The Rocket's Red Glare

Featured in the Poetry Newsletter dated 4 JUN 2024

Older and weathered I stand,
Though I don’t look my years.
I still know the motions –
I still feel the reverence.

I blend in the crowd, hidden,
a Veteran.

I waited on the step for my son
to disappear. He was leaving on
a boat to Catalina. Next to us, a
race, waiting to be run.

I blend in the crowd, silent,
a Veteran.

June gloom over the early morn’
Coffee in too short a supply, then
the echoes of talk faded away.
A somber note played.
“Oh Say can you see…”

Quietly, I stood, and
turned toward my flag.
Hand over heart,
Devoted, Respectful,
honor bound.

I blend in the crowd, reverent,
a Veteran.

Others around me stopped and stared,
Some continued talking,
Some bowed their heads.
My flag is still here.

Oh, say does that Star Bangled Banner still wave,
For me, a veteran, humble and brave?

Word Count: 151
Line Count: 30