On Memorial Day

The earth sings to the Beloved:
a mournful hymn
for those who have died
on its countless battlefields:

“Too soon, too many,
our children sleep
within my breast;
their bodies still,
their voices silent,
their families bereft;
their blood cries out
within me.
Give them Your peace.”

The nation sings to the Beloved:
a mournful hymn
for those who have died
on its countless battlefields:

“Bless, O God, bless
those who went forth
not in love of violence,
but in pursuit of peace,
to protect, to serve,
to defend,
and ultimately,
to give their lives.

“Bless, O God, bless
those who carried the burden
of our country’s commitments
to the last measure;
who offered themselves
in our stead,
who bled
and suffered
and died.
Give them Your peace.”

The dead sing to the Beloved:
the mournful hymn
of those who have died
on the countless battlefields:

“Bless, O God, bless
our families and friends,
comfort their hearts,
strengthen their resolve,
for they, too,
have made their sacrifice.
Give them Your peace.

“Bless, O God, bless
our brothers
and sisters
who lingered for months
and years,
under siege
from an implacable enemy
within;
slowly dying
from invisible wounds.
Give them Your peace.”

And we, who remember,
sing to the Beloved:
a mournful hymn:

“Bless, O God, bless
those who have lost their lives
on the earth’s countless battlefields;
and bless us, Beloved,
with clear understanding
of what we all have lost
and who bears the cost
when our nation goes to war.
Help us to earn Your peace.”

Amen.