Rhododendrons abounding
in full bloom along the graveyard
with stones going back:
from the Revolution
to the Civil War
and from World War II
to the present conflict:
Our emotions registering
over the names of each fallen brave
kept close to our hearts
by our right hands
in sync with the rhythm
of the Star Spangled Banner,
pondering:
how the Revolution
created the nation,
how its Civil War
preserved it,
and how the second war
saved the world
from threats
by Communists and Nazi.
With the mention
of the fallen from Iraq,
the metaphor of the madras
ripped my heart apart
envisioning the next conflict
to save and preserve the human soul,
confident,
in view of the gatherers,
that America will,
once again
come through
to fulfill the incipient principles
on which this country was founded.
Adolph Adolfo Caso, from his collection of photos and poems, “Water and Life.” Col. Caso, publisher of Branden Books of Boston, is a frequent visitor to Martha’s Vineyard. He is a poet, editor, and author of more than 30 books. He wrote this patriotic poem while vacationing on the Island.