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    Let Them Grow

    By Robert W. Crawford

    September 7, 2024
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    • Thomas Decker

      Robert Crawford's poem "Let them Grow" rings true for many in American society, but not in every instance. While I would not change one word of the poem, as a retired Army chaplain I would speak to many other sounds heard by all who have chosen the hard path of service within the nation's militaries. We thank God that our nation's service members--of all branches--recognize many sounds in their dogged perseverance to provide the nation’s security in perilous times. Included are the call of bugles and chapel bells, the varied calls to worship, the energy of gospel choirs and the provocative chant of liturgy, and the solo voices of singers from every tradition. They provide a ringing and pervasive backdrop for the freedom that America seeks. The varied and rich sounds of service to this nation require our learned attention and proper thanksgiving for this ordnance of a different tenor.

    For my grandsons

    to someday stumble on the circumstance
    of love, lie back, and in the quiet, try
    to give shy thanks for all its providence.
    I pray they’ll need not know such things as, by
    its sound, the caliber of ordnance.

     

    Elicia Edijanto, In the Wind

    Elicia Edijanto, In the Wind, graphite on paper, 2022. Used by permission.


    This poem was shortlisted for the Rhina Espaillat Poetry Award in 2023. Find out how to enter your poems here.

    Contributed By Robert W. Crawford Robert W. Crawford

    Robert W. Crawford has published two books of poetry and is the Director of Frost Farm Poetry at the Robert Frost Farm.

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