by Christianna Garrett-Martin

Created on: March 05, 2010   Last Updated: March 07, 2010

A Thousand Leaves.    

A thousand leaves blew through the town
The brass band played its rousing sound
Twas dirges only all abound
On Remembrance Day.


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The air was heavy with nostalgia
A solemn cloud hung, nothing stirred
We mourned their passing for our future
On Remembrance Day.


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We marched in line with dignitary
Soldiers, RAF, and the Royal Navy

A myriad of leaves, soul's memories
On Remembrance Day.


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They raised the standards one by one
We stood stock still, hid from the sun
Cadets were dropping one by one
On Remembrance Day.


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The Trombone player fell to the ground
The band played on its funeral sound
They layed their wreaths upon the ground
On Remembrance Day.


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People shuffled, coughed in choir
Babies cried, the elderly tired
I felt my soul leap, I felt on fire
On Remembrance Day.


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My daughter marched within the line
Her head held high with straight eyeline
Her hands clasped tight, this child of mine
On Remembrance Day.


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I used to sneer upon this day
I would debate a poppy to pay
To celebrate War was not my way
On Remembrance Day. 


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I laid a cross and sung a hymn
I waited for the silence to begin
My feet were cold, my lips were thin
On Remembrance Day. 


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I learnt a lesson on that day
I learnt of death, and of decay
Of Soldiers who had paved our way
I learnt all that on Remembrance Day.

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