After we’ve returned home
From all the beers and BBQs
From all the well meaning “Thank Yous”
Misplaced yet appreciated
We place our keychains back on the hook
A single dog tag clanking against hardware
The KIA bracelet still sits on our wrist
Or upon a mantle
Next to a picture
The sun goes down on celebration
The next day rises but their memory remains
Constant
Perhaps faded
Perhaps dulled
But ever present
No matter what the calendar says
Their presence is felt
We remember…always
When we heard
When we saw
When we held
When we lost
Fever Dreams 