An Argyll and Sutherland Highlander’s
simple service:
honour guard,
in respectful silence, stand proud
beneath a towering arch,
the bronze visages of
the nation’s memorial to those
fallen in foreign wars,
Keeping faith at the tomb
of the unknown soldier,
Clad in kilt and jacket,
green as the fields of France,
red and white stockings over
shining white spats,
bronze warriors towering above
wept
as one of Princess Louise’s Highlanders
fell.
.
.
.
This poem references the powerful political cartoon by Bruce MacKinnon drawn in the aftermath of the shooting of Corporal Nathan Cirillo (a reservist with the Argylls and Sutherland Highlanders) on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, October 22, 2014:
Here is Corp Cirillo guarding the national war memorial:
The Argylls and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada on parade.
(I thought I was just posting links to original sites, but the images are showing up. Copyright remains with original sources).
Shawn L. Bird 
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I admit – you have the most powerful words in your poem,
Thanks.
I have no idea about what is going on there in Canada but any kind of harm is not acceptable. your poem inspired me to write more on national integrity and on those warriors who saved our life at the risk of their own.
Thank you
A young man with mental illness, who’d been radicalized, shot a soldier and then entered parliament, where he was shot dead by the Sergeant at Arms.
Thanks for the information 🙂
So sad. So, so sad.
Very much so. 😥
Very good.
Thank you.
You’re quite welcome.
Just beautifully written (:
Thank you, Elaina
wonderful words to such a sad & tragic moment
Thank you
Your poem is timely and gently written. My deepest respect for this brave soldier and my deepest sympathy for his family.
Yes, Kevin.
Such a tragedy.