There Were Elm Trees Then

There were elm trees then
leaves had fallen
majestic and stark
in the November sky.
The summer innocence
of their shade
hardened by the approaching
winter.

A young boy stood
called to duty
a crossing guard
"ask what you can do"
Stopping cars
as children passed.
In uniform
proud

Palm up white glove
The car stopped
the world stopped
a young boy's dreams
stopped
window rolled down
in the cold
"The President has been shot"

They wore white gloves
that black November
riderless horse
caisson drums slow beat
sticks on rims
the flag on the casket
witness to the young boy
salute

~~ Phil Specht