Remembering
Silence followed, as people closed their eyes
the sound of a military trumpet behind their ears
solemnity spread rapidly among their peers
while remembrance was on all people’s faces
Remembering those who left the warmth of a home,
a future full of hope, for the service of others,
Remembering those who lost themselves abroad,
Having encountered a void so to never fully recover
Remembering the tears of those who were torn apart
those whose grief could never disappear
Remembering those who, in suffering and pain,
go on living while learning to have hope again
Remembering those who became instruments
of God’s peace, sowing love, pardon and faith
following St. Francis; loving, forgiving, trusting at his pace,
and knowing that in dying, they’d be born to life eternal
Today, by the street of St. Ebbes, they pledged
themselves anew, to the service of God and neighbour
to help, encourage, comfort and love others,
trusting to see one day, he who makes all things new
Pledging to practice the resurrection they witnessed,
today, they shall remember; the silence, the grief
as they wait with anticipation for their glorified Beloved
