Paying Respect Poem by Randy McClave

Always pay your respect to the people that you meet
But, also pay respect to the people underneath your feet
Though you cannot shake their hand or see their face
Remember them though, when you are standing upon their resting place.
Be always courteous and polite when no one is around
A freed soul's body is now buried deep underground
So, show them that courtesy wherever they might rest or sleep
Remember, where you are standing, family members or friends once did weep.
There could rest the mother the father the child the sibling or the fallen brave
What some see as a forgotten plot, many know as a loved ones grave
Underneath the sun and the clouds and beneath the trees full breast
Wherever you might stand, always show and give the dead their respect.

Randy L. McClave