We had to leave home for a time
In order to come home fully
Small wonder we chose to visit a graveyard
Nostalgic because it is far away
We don’t know anyone buried there
A calm ocean and a soothing rain
Made space for our reflections
As we journeyed from beach to beach
Along France’s northern border
Insulating our memories with history’s heroes
The grass is neat and trim
Like the haircuts of young men
We climb over boulders
To find where it still grow
Long enough to dance in the wind
At Juno we joined
The anniversary celebrations
We felt communion
With the bright sprigs of red
Tucked within formal uniforms
Collars high, sleeves long
Buttons shined
Smooth and even
Rank and file ceremonies
No one here died so cleanly
Hidden beneath lapels
The poppy flower
Remembers
What it’s like to grow wild
Before wilting in memoriam
They will wear her
Like a badge
They will crush her
To escape their pain
They will mold her
Into plastic
But generations
Of the fallen
Will welcome her home
Braided garlands of poppies
Weaved into their unshorn hair
I pray the dead are generous
With their symbols
Amy Sexauer is a poet and author of Poppies published by Dead Reckoning Collective, from which this poem was taken. She is a West Point graduate who spent nine years on active duty in Military Police and Psychological Operations units. She is currently in the Army Reserves. You can see her perform live with us at Savage WonderGround: GHOST STORY on Halloween night in downtown Boston. Follow her here.
What’s happening at VetRep…
Listen to our interview this week with Michael Devine on the Savage Wonder Podcast.
Join us Halloween night in downtown Boston for Savage WonderGround: GHOST STORY. A unique show unlike any of our previous WonderGround performances, featuring Nicholas Efstathiou, Ayman Kafel, Ben Fortier, Amy Sexauer, Dave Campisano, and Dex. We’ll take you through three floors of a private, historical space as we weave together a spine-tingling tale through spoken word, music, and live painting. It’s invite only, get on this list here!
VetRep is thrilled to present “What the Butler Saw” for the month of October. Dr. Prentice, a psychiatric doctor in an exclusive private clinic, is attempting to interview (and seduce) an attractive would-be secretary, Geraldine. Unwittingly surprised by his wife, he hides the girl. The affairs multiply as Mrs. Prentice, being seduced and blackmailed by young bellhop Nicholas Beckett, has promised him the secretarial post. When a government inspector arrives, chaos, underpants, and cross-dressing lead the charge. Tickets have been selling out, reserve yours early before they’re gone!
On November 4, 2023, world-class guitarist (and military child) Michael Bard will be performing at Carnegie Hall – and a portion of the proceeds will go to VetRep! Get your tickets here.
Our Acting for Beginners class is now being offered weekly every Saturday from 10am-12pm. Scholarships for qualifying veterans, as well as multi-class passes are available. Registration details can be found here.