Title: Civic Ceremony: Grief
Fandom: Original
Challenge: Correct
Other prompt: Current Events
Rating: G
Length: 126
Content notes: N/A
Author notes: Thanks go to Zana, Morgynleri & Runa for encouragement & sanity-checking.
Summary: Civic ceremony is important for public grief

Civic grief: the formal, stately cadence of respect
For one now fallen whilst on duty in defense
Warding place and people hallowed to the public state --
We the People's Capitol, the seat of government
Of leaders chosen by election, not decree.

Oh refuge take in ceremony, honor, in right action
In observation of tradition, careful and antique
This is how the honored dead are mourned:
Who held the line, stood fast, fell in duty stern
The very building here solemn witness bears.

Pace the stately pattern, hand to hand the watch
Remains alert, unceasing through the night;
Here ritual, the rite gives weary feet and heavy hearts
Steps correct, speaking gestures meaning more in silence
Than in speech: This life of service, served unto the last.