On this date many things happened.

Governments were heaved into being, creeds

were repeated, maps and speeches given and believed.

There was quiet on this date. A little boy lived.

There was sleep, and one birdcall stitched all the way through...

“On This Date” by Annie Lighthart

Each time I read this poem, I want to write my own version to remember this date.

On this date is a story in The New York Times about U.S. Coronavirus deaths nearing 100,000, an "incalculable loss." It listed the names of those who died, their ages, and one thing they were known for. A former firefighter. Cancer survivor. Founded a food pantry. Worked at Goodwill for 25 years. Many appreciated his straight talk. Did an amazing Donald Duck impression.

On this date a field was fertilized. Boys on 4-wheelers ran a stop sign. My kid sang "Carry on my wayward son. There will be peace when you are done. Lay your weary head to rest. Don't you cry no more."

The wind blew the knives and forks hanging from a chime. Condensation dripped off an air conditioner. A gopher turtle hurried down the middle of an empty road. Our Rosie dog walked one more day, but the arthritis made it harder.

On this date, veterans sold out of barbecue chicken and ribs at the American Legion in Fairhope. Motorcycles with American flags flying off the back pulled into the Alabama State Veterans Cemetery in Spanish Fort. Children ran their hands over their grandfather's grave and kissed the stone.

A husband left red roses for his wife who passed away four years ago. He brings her fresh flowers every two weeks. Pennies, nickels, quarters, and dimes lined the top of tombstones. There were gardenias wrapped in a paper towel, Post-It notes that said "Thank You," and paper flags colored by a boy named Bennett, age 7. He wrote “thank you for your service.

Some buried in the veteran’s cemetery survived wars but died too young from cancer or suicide. Others lived to be 96 or 107.

On the graves are names: Hale, Causey, Cox, Lundy. Zapata. Dugger. Lovett. There are wars: Vietnam, WW2, Korea, Persian Gulf. There are words of inspiration: "Beloved father." "Best Friend." "Let the work I have done speak." "Our memories of you live on."

A son opens two bottles of Michelob Ultras at his father's grave. One to drink and the other to toast and pour on the ground for his dad. A man who was a difficult father but he became the best grandfather in the world..

We remember our incalculable loss, on this day.