for J.A., December 3, 1975 <br /> <br /> <br />Ashes that survive the aftermath of fire <br />Bury the past bravely, retaining <br />Only those messages that are least decipherable <br />And therefore most desirable <br />To be sung by the bright-eyed few remaining <br />Voices of our frankly foolish choir.<br /><br />David Lehman<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-shield-of-a-greeting/
