I stand in silence

Shuddering with sounds from the past.

Shouts and mortars, shots and curses,

Screams.

            When you woke for the last time, did you know?

I stand in silence

Sagging under sounds of the present.

Sighs and sniffles, shuffling feet,

Whispers.

            When you clambered ashore, did you know?

I stand in silence

Straining for sounds from the future.

Laughter and children, dancing and song.   

Nothing.

            When you fell to the sand, did you know?

I stand in silence.

Mind stunned,

Heart strained,

Blood stirred,

Face streaked. 

Tears! – my unexpected tears – 

Kiss the ground that hugs

Ten thousand heroes.

Ten Thousand Heroes!

            You were, are, will be forever.  Did you know?

[Picture taken at the American Military Cemetery in Normandy, June 2019]