The Table is Set

It isn't much.
Table for one, 
but this is no pity party.
It is an honor to missing comrades,
known and unknown.
A round table with a white table cloth,
round for the never-ending
love and concern of their family and friends.
A red rose, too, for their love and faith.
There is a flag
that they served with the pride,
a symbol of gratitude for all their sacrifices.
There is a lemon for their bitter fate,
and salt for for the oceans of tears shed.
The chair is vacant.
The glass is turned over—
no toasting till they return.
A candle lit for hope.
While we live in hope,
they still live with us.
We will remember.

If you would like to learn more about The Missing Man/POW table, follow this link.


Elise Skidmore ©2026