Memoriam

Gravel plods through grey mist.

Hooves clip clop with carriage wheels.

Dew spatters glossy black shoes

Measured, counted, and centered.

Burning lungs, tightened throat,

Turned wrist at sword’s edge.

Blued steel, rack and slide

The call, the shot

The call, the shot

The call, the shot

Bugle song,

Gold and strong,

Step-ping tones,

Step-ping tones,

Step-ping tones,

Lifting gaze,

Teary haze,

Sounds then fade.

Hardened faces.
Folded stares.

Snap of cotton

White glove on crease

Pass the banner to trembling hands.

Fill the barren embrace

Head

Lowers

Hand

Rests

Feet

Shuffle

In Memoriam

Stark memoriam

Silent memoriam