Sonnet for Memorial Day

by Nancy Harb Almendras
(DA Germany)

“Sweet and fitting to die for one’s country,”
Says Horace, ironically echoed
By Owen, who so much did disagree.
Even Ernest Hemingway plainly showed
Futility of war and its great toll
Gathered in Flanders Fields where many lay.
Remarque’s teacher his students did cajole
To take up duty, arms, instead of play.
 
Dulce et decorum est, pro patria
Mori; as if we’ve learned nothing yet
Denizens repeat the old, old story…
As widows cry we express regret
As once again on Memorial Day
We come around to barbecue and pray.