When you read this last column for the month of May, many thoughts come to mind about Memorial Day. As we reflect on the many Memorial days of the past, we experience many warm thoughts on peace and about our land of freedom. In this week's column, I will share a poem sent to me by a lady in her 80s. She is a very special friend who has been a real inspiration to me, especially during the last several weeks. She is a distinguished member of the International Society of Poetry, and her poetry will be featured in the "Best Poems of the 90s," a publication of the National Library of Poetry. And most recently, she was inducted into the Eastern Kentucky University's Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

Our Lady of Freedom. Have you ever been way out to sea? If you haven't, then you'll envy me. When I heard someone say, "There she stands, holding the freedom of the seas in her hands." I imagined that I was a soldier coming home. Long ago, I'd been sent over there to roam. Through country sides, so strange to me, I saw sights I hope I never see. Little children, their eyes so big and round, running to hide when they heard a loud sound. I thought of my children I hadn't seen for years. It was impossible for me to hold back the tears. The war was over. We were on our way. We would be landing early the next day. How would I feel when I first saw land? Would they be there to meet us with a band? Then I saw the lady, her light shining bright - to me, I never saw such a beautiful sight. Now I know why our soldiers kneel to pray - that the Statue of Liberty forever will stay. By Ruth T. George.

Thoughts on Memorial Day: Those heroes are dead. They died for liberty. They died for us. They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless. Under the solid pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadow of the clouds. Careless lake of sunshine or storm, each in the windowless palace of rest. Earth may run red with other wars. They are at peace. In the midst of battles and the road of conflicts, they found the serenity of death. Robert G. Ingersoll.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G Werner

Published in the Marion Record May 30th, 1996.
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Till next time,

Trina