Down That Road, That Day (A Poem about the "Highway of Heroes")

Down That Road, That Day (A Poem about the "Highway of Heroes")

Hand upon their heavy hearts and tears within their eyes
Some with bowing heads to pray, saying their goodbyes
Others still, stand firm and tall, attention given there
Red grains of sand along the road and flags flown in the air
They stop, they pause, they give their due, saluting from their brow
For one who gave their all, their all; their life and strength and vow
Wait for hours to catch a glimpse and ponder as they see
Inch by inch, mile by mile, this one is carried carefully
They march alongside steeped in grief, mighty strength within their stride
Our country's here to offer up our endless sorrowed pride
They laugh, they cry, they stand aright, rememb'ring loved one's lost;
Honouring your sacrifice. O deep and ugly cost!
How great and wide, how long and grand; a priceless debt we owe
The taste of blood, the smell of fear, that most will never know
O precious one we worried for, now sleeping on this day
The battle fought was long and hard, ending riding down that highway.