The Best Poems

The best poems of friendship, love,
and devotion
are written by underappreciated
veterans, mothers,
and Deities
in their own blood, sweat,
and tears,
and can only be read in our hearts
as we remember how they sacrificed
their very lives for us.

When trying to reply,
to at least acknowledge
that we've heard, understood,
and appreciate
the poem they've written,
their sacrifices,
mere words fail.
Like arrows shot toward the heavens,
they fall short.

We must write our replies
as they have,
with courage, dedication,
and strength of heart,
with our very lives,
and not to them,
but to our own friends, neighbors,
and children,
to all the world...

Kevin Ranville

Author's note