Grandson asked…

Grandson asked

A Poem by Coyote Poetry

Would be a better world if we saw with the eyes of the children.

                                    Grandson said…

                               Memorial poetry

I stopped by the nearby location for the Memorial day celebration. There had a flag for every Soldier killed in the new wars.  I took my grandsons with me. This sponsor of the organization had a photo of each soldier and where he was killed.

I found my three friends I served with. I stood by one of my friend photo lost in Iraq and I wanted to fall down with sadness. A older man came up and tapped my shoulder and told me. This is a sad place. I’m a Vietnam Vet from Holly, Michigan. I wanted to show respect to my brothers lost to war. I told him. I have three good friends here and I had to visit them. He saw in my eyes great sadness and he told me. We must remember them. We must live for them and appreciate every day we are alive. My five year old grandson saw my sadness and he asked. Why are you sad Grandpa?  I told him I have friends here. They were killed in war. His five year eyes got bigger and he asked. Why did they have to die in war? I looked at my missed friend face and I told him. I don’t know. I gave him a gentle tap on the head and told him. I wish I knew why?

The man from Holly, Michigan name was Glen. He told me he took medicine for agent orange. He showed me the punctures wounds on his hand. I asked him. Was he alright? He told me I’m alive and fighting still. Each new day is a blessing. My grandson asked Glen. Why are all these soldiers dead? His mind racing with new questions. Glen looked at the flags and told him. I don’t know.

Two soldiers from different wars trying to find peace and understanding with flags of heroes faces surrounding them. I did a silence prayer to the God of life and death. Please lord, please take care of my brother soldiers. Protect their families and please don’t allow them to be forgotten.

                                Coyote/John Castellenas