Memorial Day is like death
Everyone approaches it their own way…with good reason
Their way is just right for them
For me, an invitation to sit in circle…somewhere I think our sacred warriors would like to be
In the presence of things they would like to see..if given one more chance
Silence and a saddened heart for those families who have born the unbearable
Breaking open a baptism of tears
Finally…cause I fucking forgot how to feel
Invoke their names..and listen
They may want to sit with for a spell and have a beer
Be in awe of this sunset
Traverse through cedars
Throw a game of catch
Pass the butter at the dinner table
Name the shapes in the clouds
Brag about their kids
Slip in an inappropriate joke
While sharing those sea stories
Their faces are crisp and clear and smiling in wholeness
They say this is how they want us all to be
I can feel their breath
Taking in the simple pleasures of freedom
We can all be above ground if we remember
And set our table appropriately
For those that never came home
Or never fully landed
All their loved ones, but especially
The Mothers
May you all be wrapped in a cloak of
Honor
Warmth
Gentleness
Affection
Limitless Love
Every day. Every breath.
You are alive in us
Because we still need you
Ryan Mielcarek is U.S. Navy Seabee Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He spent this Memorial Day with 7 Seabees from NMCB 14 that sacrificed their lives to hostile fire on April 30th and May 2, 2004 in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
SW2(SW) Jason Dwelley
EO3 Christopher Dickerson
BU2 Michael Anderson
EO2 Trace Dossett
CM2 Scott McHugh
BU2 Robert Jenkins
SW3 Ronald Ginther
