The Departed ( rewrite )

Near the approaching end of day

in a place where Saigons' departed stay

and in the golden fading light

far away from casual sight

a long-haired youthful girl today

walks slowly where the river rolls away

her deep brown eyes and raven hair

clash against soft skin so fair

she brings flowers fresh from the nearby park

walking softly on gravel stones

in summer breeze her hair windblown

her eyes closed she silently weeps

as she faces markers of deaths' eternal sleep

her hands grasp fragrant flowers at rest

held closely to her rounded breast

she moves towards the grave where silence hides

where markers are strewn by riverside 

and the restless birds of summer sing

a song of sorrow and soulful sting

the offering is placed on ground moist and low

covering cold marble white as snow

with the soft hues in flowers found

she wishes peace to the departed underground

his presence will be mourned and missed

never again to feel her gentle kiss

for in earth his body dwells

his coffin a narrow cell

'Tis with shameful contrition

for those making decisions

that their choices should haunt hearts

and minds for the war they did start