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She stands in the cold Her black cloth coat Suits the occasion But fails to keep her warm Despite the gleam of silver At her breast. Her thoughts circle round: "Why did we have another war? Didn't we lose enough men already? Why did my sons have to die? O God, keep me upright. Help me not to scream Out their names." "What will we have for dinner tonight? What would Joey and Bill have wanted? It's so hard to have faith... It's so hard to have hope... Why did my sons have to die? Jesus, you comforted your mother As she stood and watched you die. If I pray hard enough Will you bring comfort to me?" "If that preacher says 'Noble Sacrifice' One more time I'll scream... I'll scream out their names So hard the dead will hear me. Only this time, I'll scream out loud Instead of in my heart." But she doesn't scream... She stands beside the Honour Guard Who are older than her sons Were when they died. The people nearby watch her, Wondering how she can stand So still, so calm, Knowing she lost two boys, Thinking she has lost her grief After all these years When to her it might Have been today. |
| Clare Stewart © 20 November, 2000 |
| Each year, as I watch the Remembrance Day Service from Ottawa, I am moved by the courage of the Silver Cross Mother, the woman who represents all mothers who have sent their children to fight in Canada's wars. I wrote this poem in tribute to these brave women. |
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