The Guard Asked Who They Were Here to See

“I know.”

“What I wrote was, ‘I think it’s time.’”

Then she walked on.

My father didn’t ask time for what. Maybe because he already knew.

What my mother did that I never knew

The ceremony itself had all the usual pieces.

Flags.

A military band trying not to sweat through wool.

Remarks from a major general who thought every speech needed one joke and never continue reading …