\Widows and Orphans

I'll be marching to my local war memorial tomorrow (Sunday 10 Nov) to remember the fallen soldiers of all the conflicts fought and especially those I knew who didn't come home.  
 
There is another sometimes forgotten group who are the bravest of the brave. It is to them I dedicate this work.
 
 
Bands play setting marching arms to swing
At the cenotaph, the vicars pray
Old soldiers stand their hymns to sing
Their blazing poppies on display  
 
The widows and orphans side by side
Dignified they silent stand
Loved ones medals worn with pride
Of those who've fallen for this land
 
Those who with loss live every day
And bear with stoic pride
The awful price that they must pay
Of the love they've been denied  
 
A young blonde girl so sad and shy
Leans close against her mother
A tear drop in her soft blue eye
Arm around her little brother
 
Theirs a grief that must be borne
Not just upon this day
Soft remembered love they mourn
So savage torn away
 
As bugle notes fade on the breeze
Two minutes silence spent
Pray for those whose pain won’t cease
Whose grief will not relent

Lest we forget