Memorial Day

It's Memorial Day again, and time
To remember the dear ones gone before.
Some graves were dug in just the recent years,
And one has been for fifty years and more.
Red peonies for Dad, pink for Mother.
Heart full of love, I decorate each grave.
White snowballs and lilacs for my brothers
But always remembering I must save
One of each kind and color for the two
Who were so long the center of my life.
Still not believing they are really gone,
Mother to one and to the other, wife.

Their graves are soon a riot of color,
Flowers from my garden, offered with pure love.
As I place the over-flowing baskets,
I pray that all are watching from above.
Flowers will die, but the memories linger;
Enough of them to last me through the years.
The love they gave me will be mine forever.
It's time to leave, I wipe away my tears.

By: Joyce 5/25/01