Get out and VOTE this Tuesday!

Last Poll Watcher.

A soldier, dressed in uniform, that of World War One,
Stood outside the Polling Place that night,
Shadowy and pale, a ghostly and transparent wight.

He looked at the young people, passing quickly on their busy way,
a tear formed in his eye and I thought I heard him say,
"I fought and died in the Belleau Wood,
for Freedom's cause, they said,
And now I walk the Lone Patrol
Among the quiet dead.

"But upon each and every Election Day,
I see a ray of hope. And watch as it grows dimmer,
because each year, the voters grow smaller in their numbers."

"My comrades who fought at Valley Forge,
for Grant and with Patton's Third,
who gave their life's blood, limbs, their courage as their word,
all weep in early November, when the winds blow small chill,
and wonder if it were all in vain, for fewer voters stir."

I watched him as turned to walk, off into the night,
the mist began to shroud his ghostly form from the wan light,
but as he moved across the park, he turned and brightened more,
for there, across the frosty lawn, a line had begun to form.

"We're here to vote," a voice cried out, "We will not be denied!
Our fathers, brothers and ancestors had fought,
that we would claim civic pride!"

With that, the ghost stood tall and straight and gave a last salute,
and faded at last into the mist, his smile, it was a beaut.

Lee Darrow, C.H.
November 2, 2008

Please vote on Tuesday, if you haven't already.