Steven Schroeder

Steven Schroeder

Veterans Day, Fredericksburg, 2009

Bronze in the park behind Vereinskirche

recalls the only treaty not broken here

yet. John Meusebach is kneeling

to take a token of peace from Santanna.

On Santanna’s left, a sign

names Admiral Nimitz a native son.

LBJ is at the right hand of the great man.

Coffee and cinnamon cat with one brown paw

has been waiting among flowers

between the poles of this paradox.

She is missing the tip of her left ear,

but she is at peace. She walks me through

the park without a thought of war.