John John Poem by B. V. Dahlen

A little boy is alone today.
He has no one with whom to play.
His birthday passed without a thought.
No happy wish nor presents brought.

On Saturday, when he awoke,
He noticed when his Mother spoke
Her voice was different in a way.
'Your Daddy won't be home today'.

His Daddy's office was locked up tight
And downstairs was as dark as night.
His nurse called to him, combed his hair
And sent him softly down the stair.

Then near a casket three did stand.
His sister Caroline held his hand
And told him why their Mom was sad.
'A bad bad man has killed our Dad.'

He stood and watched the funeral go
Winding along the street below.
He heard the sounds of rifles muted.
Then turned, and to his Dad saluted.