Memorial Day
her voice held sadness
cradled for long years
the catch in her throat
made the loss seem new
she saw him leave home
young and tall
armed for war and
shielded by patriotism
and the wait began
then the news that he
was missing—
no news was not good news
POW seems like
something that belongs
to a cartooned superhero
not simply an older brother
today she speaks of the end
a story I had not heard
death in the ocean
of peace
death that came
with the sinking of a boat
and a quick clubbing on the head
by the enemy
still I think she waits
there was no flag-draped
coffin or Taps played
so I know she still waits
Pamela Olson, 5/25/09
For my uncle, Richard Anderson,
Navy, WWII, Pacific Front
POW, MIA
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