Aromatic foliage hangs purple
Within reach, a lilac branch
To honor those who have served

Purple, the same color grandma remembers
On the heart awarded to grandpa
Wounded in action

Other flowers of regal color from neighbors’ gardens
Iris, heliotrope, azalea, rhododendron
Mix with common daisies and buttercups

Carefully carried in wet paper towels
By grandchildren and students
As they marched from school to sea

After a solemn ceremony at Memorial Wharf
Words from town father and World War II veteran
Eighth graders recite, Four score and seven years ago

Maritime music, Civil War poetry
Taps played and echoed from the beach
Voices silent within the crowd

Then collective bouquets gathered
Gently tossed into the harbor
Violet and mauve float with red, blue and white