I.

The Friday
after a presidential election,
the school gathers in the gym.

There’s a speech, then
the concert band performs the Armed Forces Medley.

As tradition,
they invite veterans from the community to attend,
parade through the gym behind a banner
as their branch’s theme plays.

You only see
the empty spaces where people should be.

II.

The Friday
after the next presidential election,
a different school gathers in Teams meeting.

There’s a speech, then
the yearbook advisor plays a slideshow set to the Armed Forces Medley.

As tradition,
they invite students and staff to submit pictures and bios of veterans in their families,
honor them as integral parts of the community
as their branch’s theme plays.

You only see
the empty spaces where people should be.

III.

The Friday
after a third presidential election,
the school gathers in the gym.

There’s a speech, then
the concert band performs the Armed Forces Medley.

As tradition,
they invite veterans from the community to attend,
stand up to be recognized
as their branch’s theme plays.

You only see
the empty spaces where people should be.