peonies sway

 
peonies sway and scent
children cartwheel
upon the fresh green lawn

old ones cane or walker
to the front of the gathering
to remember brothers
or dads or comrades

and then -

the gun salute
frays the air of the cemetery
and children cling quick to pant legs

war certainly ruins our best
but the peonies and special days
make everything alright
right.