7/31/2019 Visualization Activity - Rememberance Day Poem

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She stands in the cold Her black cloth coat Suits the occasion

But fails to keep her warm Despite the gleam of silver At her breast.

*(see note)

Her thoughts circle round:

Why did we have another war? Didnt we lose enough men already?

Why did my sons have to die?

O God, keep me upright. Help me not to scream Out their names.

7/31/2019 Visualization Activity - Rememberance Day Poem

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What will we have for dinner tonight? What would Joey and Bill have wanted?

Its so hard to have faith Its so hard to have hope Why did my sons have to die? Jesus, you comforted your mother As she stood and watched you die. If I pray hard enough Will you bring comfort to me?

If that preacher says Noble Sacrifice One more time Ill scream Ill scream out their names

So hard the dead will hear me.

Only this time, Ill scream out loud Instead of in my heart.

7/31/2019 Visualization Activity - Rememberance Day Poem

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* "Gleam of silver." Clare Stewart, who is a Canadian, explains: "Every year, a Silver Cross mother is invited to lay a wreath on RemembranceDay at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on behalf of all mothers. The Memorial Cross is depicted in bronze with the three different cyphers, atthree of the four corners of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, unveiled in May 2000. There is also a large replica of the Memorial Cross hangingabove the door of the Memorial Chamber in the Peace Tower of the Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings, where the Books of Remembrance

are kept."

But she doesnt scream She stands beside the Honour Guard

Who are older than her sons Were when they died.

The people nearby watch her, Wondering how she can standSo still, so calm,Knowing she lost two boys,

Thinking she has lost her griefAfter allthese years When to her it might Havebeen today.