In America: Remember

White flag impressions:
Internet screen images,
white flag fields impress
pandemic magnitude, slams
my vision field in screen square.

Green fields turned death white.
Washington Monument white
sentry standing proud
protector of memories
captured in tiny white space:

Gave her heart to all.
He was the love of my life.
Loved square dancing and hunting.
Loving wonderful mother.
I know he was scared.

I miss her so much!
I love him so much!
He was rough on the outside
but he had the biggest heart.
So alone without you now.

He was my best friend.
He would make handmade milkshakes.
Offensive line coach.
He never met a stranger.
Void he left is gut wrenching.

We miss her big hugs.
Generous and loving person.
Glue to our family.
She left behind three children.
A bright light dulled too early.

A beautiful soul.
Loved making our daughter laugh.
Loving grandmother.
Believed in second chances.
A giant hole in our hearts.

A blank flag for Dad.
What words capture his essence?
Cathedral bells tolled
each hundred thousand milestone,
bourdon to each thousand gone.

Hours of bourdon bells,
names covering chapel walls…
It is not enough.
I wanted a goodbye hug.
He shouldn’t have died alone.

In America:
Remember our lost loved ones
with respect and care
now rare, memorial projects
keep the once living alive.

We and these efforts
stand as proud sentries,
protectors of memories
captured in our broken hearts
holding our lost loves alive.

Shelley Chambers
2/10/2025
With gratitude to Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg and the Washington National Cathedral