Memories of those passed
not confined to the few
hearts broken through loss

Taken by wars
on the battle fields
and on our the streets
by both malicious
and accidental means

In any way that they leave
the pain of their absence
is not all that is left behind
for they have given us
the good times of their childhood
the awkward moments
of adolescence
and the pride we find
in calling them
friends and family

This memorial day
our minds are brought to both
the hard times and the good

Our tears
a mixture of
sadness and joy