The Ritual
It happens every day.
The old man awakes early.
At any time of the day.
It is time.
All over the world.
He dresses in the dark, so as to not wake his daughter's family.
From dawns early light to the depths of night.
The jacket no longer really fits, but the hat does.
There may be one person or hundreds.
He know which street and row and plot he is going to.
It is always solemn, respectful and defiant.
There is a chain across the gate, but it isn't a barrier.
The words spoken vary from simple to elegant, but it boils down to three words.
They had been acquaintances before going away, they became more through what they did.
It is a bond that brings people together to remember.
Dawn approaches, as it did on that long ago and far away Hill.
It can happen in grand halls or the dark of a forgotten alley.
The old man pops to and renders a salute to his friend who died on that Hill.
It may come from a crystal glass or a paper wrapped bottle but the ritual remains-
He drinks the Toast and this year breaks the glass. He will be here in this field of stones next year and some one else will give the toast-
TO ABSENT COMRADES!
At any time of the day.
It is time.
All over the world.
He dresses in the dark, so as to not wake his daughter's family.
From dawns early light to the depths of night.
The jacket no longer really fits, but the hat does.
There may be one person or hundreds.
He know which street and row and plot he is going to.
It is always solemn, respectful and defiant.
There is a chain across the gate, but it isn't a barrier.
The words spoken vary from simple to elegant, but it boils down to three words.
They had been acquaintances before going away, they became more through what they did.
It is a bond that brings people together to remember.
Dawn approaches, as it did on that long ago and far away Hill.
It can happen in grand halls or the dark of a forgotten alley.
The old man pops to and renders a salute to his friend who died on that Hill.
It may come from a crystal glass or a paper wrapped bottle but the ritual remains-
He drinks the Toast and this year breaks the glass. He will be here in this field of stones next year and some one else will give the toast-
TO ABSENT COMRADES!
