THE HERO

Galveston Bay

When they knew he’d have to go away
My mother joined my father at Galveston Bay
For a few short days of sea and shore
Before he left her there and went off to war

Not much more than a boy, he picked up a gun
And joined in doing what had to be done
That he would come home, he had no guarantee
But my father knew that freedom, never has been free

Today they raise a shrine to the men who served
The enduring recognition they always have deserved
Beside it I suggest another shrine should be created
To honor the courage of those who - waited

To remember those who lived with the fear of the unknown
The bravery of those who raised the children alone
Women who ran a country with hearts broken and yearning
Who built the planes and still kept the home fires burning

Who learned to get by on just the will to survive
Who sacrificed to keep the dream of freedom alive
Who mourned, and worked and waited, because it was her part
Who gave her country not her blood, but her heart

And so I stand to honor on this Memorial Day
The courageous woman who stood waiting at Galveston Bay


© Edwina Peterson Cross - May 31, 2004
For My Mother - Zetta Benson Peterson