Poems That Honor the Sacred Ground: Arlington National Cemetery
Preserving the Legacy Through Poetry
Arlington National Cemetery, located just outside of Washington, D.C., is a hallowed ground that serves as the final resting place for over 400,000 military service members and their families. This sacred site not only pays homage to the sacrifices made by these brave men and women but also serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom. Throughout history, poets from all walks of life have been moved by the solemn beauty of Arlington, capturing its essence through their words. In this article, we explore a few poignant poems that commemorate the significance of this national treasure.
"Arlington" by Tracy K. Smith
In her poem "Arlington," Tracy K. Smith, the former Poet Laureate of the United States, explores the profound impact of Arlington National Cemetery. The poem delves into the individual stories of those laid to rest within its grounds, emphasizing the collective sacrifice that binds them together. Smith writes:
Arlington, I learned to count to five.
One
OneOne
Five fingers, five reasons why
One version of my story makes me
Five times more interesting than I actually am.
Two feet, two hands, two eyes, two lungs
One child, one mom, one dad, one grave.
Five by five, the dimensions of a grave,
Two by two, two parents stride ahead,
One generation, one nation
Five decades of odd numbers
Two women push their babies down the rows.
Through her powerful use of numbers and repetition, Smith encapsulates the personal stories and the emotional weight carried by each grave in Arlington. The poem serves as a reminder that behind the solemn rows of white tombstones, there are countless individual lives and cherished memories.
"The Unknown Soldier" by Billy Collins
Renowned poet Billy Collins pays tribute to the Unknown Soldier in his thought-provoking poem. In "The Unknown Soldier," Collins reflects on the mysterious figure who represents all the fallen soldiers whose remains were never identified. He writes:
Go ahead and break the record,
pull the severed head from the sack,
unzip the flak jacket like a wet envelope,
take out the photograph of the wife and children.
Look how the head is wrapped in cloth,
as if in a shroud.
Look at the face
that is only a face
from the chin up.
Look at the soldier's photo
that is only a photo
of a wife and a father
from the neck down.
Collins' poignant words force readers to confront the anonymity and sacrifice of the Unknown Soldier, highlighting the deep emotional impact of the missing identities. The poem serves as a reminder of the countless lives lost in service to their country, their stories forever preserved within the sacred grounds of Arlington.
Preserving the Memory
Through the power of poetry, these exceptional writers have captured the essence of Arlington National Cemetery. Their words pay tribute to the fallen, reminding us of their sacrifices and the importance of preserving their memory. These poems act as a bridge, connecting us to the past and allowing us to reflect on the price of freedom.
Arlington National Cemetery will forever remain a symbol of honor, respect, and remembrance. As we explore the depths of its significance through poetry, we gain a deeper understanding of the weight carried by those who rest there. These poems serve as a testament to the enduring power of words and the everlasting impact of those who have given their lives in service to their country.
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