[Kartographer]

And this is the poem I wrote to go with that picture. I hope you enjoy it.

The Eagle’s Watch

In a quite river valley,
Lies a green and peaceful place,
Were warriors come to rest,
Having honorably met their fates.

No more do they stand the watch
Their worthy service done,
They’ve passed their duties on
To other Fathers' sons.

Yet flying high above them,
On silent wings spread wide,
Soars freedom's embodiment
And a country's sign of pride.

The mighty Eagle watches o'er all
And guards their well-earned rests.
For he like they, knows the feel
Of Freedom in his chest.

And though he does his best to guard
The fallen warriors' sleep.
Still at times he grows so weary
And must rest his wings a-beat.

So slowly he glides his way
To where the fallen rest,
And there he bides his time a bit
Among the honored Vets.

And though he knows no words
Of the valiant warriors' speech,
Still they communicate
In a way that words can't reach.

Having communed with those who lie
Among the rows of stone,
The Eagle takes to flight again
And resumes his post alone.

In endless soaring circles,
He surely makes his rounds,
Guarding the fallen heroes
Who make this hollowed ground.

[Okieshooter]

Thank you!

[FES0844]

Picture & poem beautiful. Very moving. Thank you.

[The Great RJ]

This photo is as much an iconic tribute to our nation’s military as the famous shot of the flag raising at Iwo Jima. Both of these photos were just taken on the fly, but capture the spirit of valor and sacrifice of our military.

[TXnMA]

Beautiful! I plan to read it at today's Memorial Day service at out town's Veterans' memorial! (With credit to "Fellow FReeper, "Kartographer"...)

(BTW, "quite" should be "quiet"...)

[faucetman]

Awesome poem, awesome photo, even if it was photo-shopped.

I am not saying that it is, just that it looks like it is. Even if it is, it is still a great photo, because it is something possible.

Top third of the bird is divided by a straight line following a line along the top of a row of tombstones. More obvious if you blow it up. It's like the Eagle was place on top of the cemetery photo.

[Twinkie]

Great poem!

[Conservative Vermont Vet]

Very touching and brought a lump to my throat.

That said, if our Fascist, Neo-Commie, Hate-America, Dear Leader gets reelected, in 4 years, this magnificent symbol of all we stand for, will end up being replaced by this "bird" as it awaits our "demise"

[Terry Mross]

I hope this is published. If not, put it on cards along with this picture and sell them. Give the proceeds to vet charities. I’d buy one.

[Gabz]

I thought I was left speechless by the photo - then I read your beautifully moving poem..............

[voicereason]

Excellent poem, very fitting.

[ScreamingFist]

I’ve seen the photo before, but your poem completes it....well done FRiend...well done.

[patton]

Oh, wow...

[tarheelswamprat]

Beautiful pic and poem. Thanks. One slight correction: re: the last line "Who make this hollowed hallowed ground."

[Manic_Episode]

Posted photo and poem on FB.

Very beautiful and fitting.

[IronJack]

Who is guarding whom?

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

[depenzz]

Thanks, well done.
I saw this last year and I’m glad you posted it again with the poem. Thanks again.

[onedoug]

Very nice, K. Thank you so much.

w, s, ping....

[MNGal]

Thanks for the beautiful poem. I hope you don’t mind that I sent it to my wonderful brother who is an active Colonel in the Army.

[little jeremiah]

Very beautiful.

[ContraryMary]

Thanks for the picture and the poem.