The band marched back

When the speech was over,

Brass and blue and alive.

The crowd broke.

The orator spoke

To each of the dead man's friends

Of time's amends.

In the sun's late light

Bronze was bright,

And flowers there

In the spring air

Smelt good like a thin spring wood.

Out through the crowd,

Large and loud,

The uniforms marched away.

But what do they say

When they're home again

Like any men?

Who is the dead man now?

Why does the flower drop?

Why does the music stop?

Where does the band go?