Off popped a flare on the day of gathering
A silence passed each and every one of the sad, proud, and hard faces before me
Honoring those out at war
Honoring those serving at home

Off popped the flare that signified hope
The flare that signified life
A flame to stay live in and out of water
And as it burned in hand, illuminating ones face

A hush.
A silence.
A standstil.

For those. That have the permanent scars. That we call

War.