The Garden of Stone

After paying a visit to the graves of my dad and brother, I witnessed several families visiting theirs. The emotions on their faces mirrored mine.

The Garden of Stone

As the families gather all round,

Together, yet alone,

Tears fill the eyes of all who visit

Here, in the garden of stone.

*

We’re remembering all the days gone by,

And the happiness we had known,

While we walk with sadness in our hearts

Through the garden of stone.

*

The Flags are waving proudly,

But at half-mast they are flown.

They wave for our quiet heroes

Within the garden of stone.

*

They lived with war’s torments and nightmares,

And never felt more alone.

Now, they finally found peace within the walls

Of their personal garden of stone.

*

The years have left us fond memories,

But the emotions that are shown

Are mixed with our pride and yet, bitterness,

Due to the garden of stone.

*

The pain will remain within me,

No matter how much I have grown,

As I kneel beside my loved one, who

Lies in the garden of stone.

*

A voice deep inside offers comfort,

Saying that from the garden of stone,

God is leading our fallen heroes as

The soldiers make their final march home.