For our honoured dead

they are the children of our blood, our love, the lovers we have waited for, the fathers, mothers that we love.

we saw them off to this vast, bloody war and knew inside that some would not return.

and so, for those who gave their lives,
the highest of all sacrifice,
we bring them back with tenderness
and see them to their rest with such emotion.

for they have fought, and lost
a battle we will never know
and in the losing, they are gone from sight and yet we know that, somewhere, in the dark, these beloved ones are with us still, waiting to greet us when we cross into the summerland.

there are children who will never know that one who went before never feel strong arms around them soft lips upon their cheek, and yet the hovering soul will be so close always.

we will remember our lost ones
torn from us in sorrow and grief
and we will rejoice that they
are walking now in light.