memorial day

cheap dirty flowers
and gray duct tape
one plastic cross
and a leap of faith
once upon a dark stormy night
the stars gone from heaven
and the red flashing lights

wicked pleasures
and the thrill of the chase
two cracked ribs, bruises
and your angry face
four words left hanging in the air
the keys in the mailbox
and the go-to-hell stare

empty threats
and broken bottles
best laid plans
and an open throttle
once upon a dark stormy night
life was carved in stone
and the world made right

too many clichés
and a predictable ending
the union pacific
and death descending
wrapped up with rage and hate
the red lights flashing
a minute too soon
and a second too late

cheap dirty flowers
and gray duct tape
one plastic cross
and a leap of faith
once upon a dark stormy night
the stars gone from heaven
and the red flashing lights

freedom is given
in many different forms
sometimes as courage
sometimes with storms

8:20 23 July 2003 by M. Nicholson