Stars and stripes ripple in the breeze,
spirits from thousands past
breathing life into those folds of cloth.
The lone sound of Taps cuts through crisp air
bearing witness to their sacrifice,
the price they willingly paid
that we might live in freedom’s path.
Bjorn is tending the bar today at dVerse Poets’ Pub and asks us to write a quadrille (44 words) using the word “breeze.” Taps is a slow haunting melody, traditionally performed by a lone bugler, at military funerals and ceremonies. Today, May 30, 2016 is Memorial Day in the USA – a day on which we honor those patriots who died serving our country; and give thanks to all veterans who have served or are serving today.
lillian the home poet 
I had not thought how well the breeze would fit memorial day… this is perfect to let the flag wave…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It fit the day perfectly! Great prompt, Bjorn.
LikeLike
Oh, yes. I can hear this. And feel it, deeply.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sipping my morning coffee – so glad you enjoyed. It was a wonderful day yesterday!
LikeLike
Yes, a perfect use for Memorial Day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They have a beautiful display at the Boston Commons — 37,000 Amerian Flags on a hillside — in tribute to the 37,000 lives of Massachusetts soldiers lost in battles since the Revolutionary War. Somber and beautiful at the same time.
LikeLike
amen
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wrote on Memorial day as well. Let the breezes continue to wave the flags and may we always remember. Wonderful poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Toni. Just having my first morning cup — company still all asleep – will meander over and do my reading now….yours shall be first my friend of the name I adore.
LikeLike
Perfect poem, perfect day, perfect fit. 🙂 Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So nice to read your comment over my first cup. Thank you indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely tribute to a meaningful day ~ The song is truly haunting ~
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still remember the “cracked” note of the lone bugler on the Arlington Cemetery Hill at JFK’s funeral.
LikeLike
Great imagery – visual, tactile & auditory!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jilly. I often look to your commets to see how I’ve done! 🙂
LikeLike
Hmmm… I hope that’s a good thing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
First off: you’re welcome!
spirits from thousands past
breathing life into those folds of cloth
Exactly the truth of it! It is our battle banner. Those thousands died so that our cause would not fall to the ground, our lines be overrun. These lines echo poetic lines from the age of chivalry. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I truly believe the American flag is a beautiful one — the colors and the arrangement — and on Memorial day it is inspiring as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful tribute to the fallen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sasha, thank you for your poignant and sensitive reply.
LikeLike
Touched me deeply. I blogged a poem about why on my other site: http://andknowthatiam.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Victoria — thank you for sending me to this page. How meaningful the unfurled American flag must be for you — especially on Memorial and Veterans’ Day. I am even more glad I posted this poem on this day.
I’ve always believed in the power of language….but there is another side to it as well. Overused language can lose some of its true meaning and its connection to the event(s) or object or happening to which the words refer. “the utter sacrifice” are words so often written and said on days like Memorial Day — or when someone is killed in the line of duty be they a soldier or a firefighter. The reporting of “casualties” is a euphemism to begin with — and also is so overused that our ears passively hear. So for me, having a father who served in WWII but came home to his wife and son — who had promised my mother “anything you want” when I get home — and she asked for a little girl and I became a “baby boomer” — two more over used words that we don’t equate with the background of how they came to be. We must always be mindful of holidays that are created to honor those who served.
You, Victoria, are a legacy of your father’s spirit and determination and sensitivity and honor. I can only imagine the wonderful man he was, by simply getting to “know” you in this amazing place we call the blogosphere. Tipping my coffee cup to you this morning, Victoria.
LikeLike
Breeze of Freedom Lonely
Souls for Soldiers known
only to God..
Giving so much
for LiFe’s LibeRty’s
Justice and yes.. the
pursuit of happiness..
UNsung heroes of long
near and far.. Soldiers
Song for God Free
no Glory..
jUsT
Free For
ALL N ALL..:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen to that indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
WiTh sMiLes
AGain.. My
friEnd..:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Timely and poignant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
A beautiful poem and fits the day perfectly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much for your kind words.
LikeLike
All hail the valiant souls who fought for freedom. Great tribute, Lillian!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Maria. So glad you felt the tribute in this — we are so indebted to those who serve.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I completely agree. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, we need to remember, and be thankful for, those who paid the price for the freedom that we enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed!
LikeLike
Proudly rendered, Lillian.Strong in spirit and tribute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Walt!
LikeLike
it’s the “willingly” that forever strikes deep in the patriotic chest
can’t even imagine that kind of courage
that kind of sacrifice – never to be forgotten by those freely breathing
am:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have had company for five days — wonderful wonderful visit. So now I shall get back to my reading. I do agree — the “willingly” is truly the most amazing, courageous and selfless atrribute here. Even in the days of the draft, once drafted, it was the doing that had to be followed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
the price they willingly paid
that we might live in freedom’s path.
Most fitting tribute for the Memorial Day. More so done with such limited number of words Well done Lilian!
Hank
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Hank.
LikeLike
A very patriotic piece. I really like “spirits from thousands past breathing life into those folds of cloth”, as if giving those who have fallen the honour of being the breeze.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes — one might say the “winds are the force of courage.” Glad you enjoyed.
LikeLike
I guess it must be rather like our Anzac Day, when we also remember those who fought in all the other wars.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes — sounds very very similar. We actually have two days we celebrate our veterans (passed, past, and current): November 11 is Veterans’ Day — also a national holiday. And Memorial Day — the last Monday in May.
LikeLike
This is a wonderful tribute for Memorial Day. I find the image of the souls of thousands who sacrificed all billowing the flag so very touching. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the very kind words. Smiling I am.
LikeLiked by 1 person