Cheltenham Naval Cemetary

In memory of George Whipple Dobbs

As I was going to Cheltenham

That melancholy solemn place

I’ve been to only once before

I stopped in front for meditation

More truly, self confrontation

From that stance strode mirthless paces

Forward with determination

Through the stone and iron gates

To find that place of final rest

To that hallowed brazen casement

Beneath the winter’s frozen ground.

But my timing was all wrong

For at that moment, to my left

I spied a ceremony there

That quickly undermined my goal

Practiced soldiers stood erect

Seven rifles sounded voices

Saddened sons retraced my steps

Moving with morose conviction

Dutiful, respectful, tender.

 Holding back the grief unmeasured.

I found no courage left inside me,

Hid my tears from passing fellows

Ran past frosted fields and flowers

To the refuge of my auto.

I know one day I will return

When the hurt has faded dim

When the memories are more worn

When my heart has become stronger

When I can fulfill my task

Of praying for a hero’s soul

To say farewell for loved one lost

Kneeling atop my father’s grave.

Maybe tomorrow, but not today.

Maybe tomorrow, but not today.