The Flags

The Flags, 

How proudly they dance on the poles

The wind gently caressing them

Lifting them up 

Light as a feather

They Flutter, they Float, they Fly,

High above the ground,

Billowing with pride

Towering above all else 

As people look up and salute them

With pride, joy and happiness.

 Flags...

But

The Flags that come home

Are cruelly heavy

Ask the wife,

Ask the children, 

Ask the parents, 

Ask the siblings

Ask the friends who carried them

They bear testimony

To the weight of these Flags

The Flags that come home

Are Cruelly heavy

And remain heavy 

For lifetimes