Nick Talent’s most recent poem to appear here was One Bad Bulb (December 2013).
Folded Flag
By Nick Talent
The same medals are pinned to his chest
the same granite sets his jaw
but his eyes, now closed
are a clouded mirror
in a photo, obscuring stories
I only heard in opiate-sleep fragments
during thrashing nights of unburied memory.
There are those of us who remember the struggles of those who fought for our freedoms. This poem reminds me of my grandfather and great-uncles who were all Ukrainian immigrants, but served in all branches of the service and suffered for our freedoms. Thank you for this. Truly beautiful.
Haunting memories.
Mr. Talent certainly has the correct name. He has written the perfect poem which is beautiful, haunting, and true for so many who fought and died for our freedom! It gave me chills.