A SOLDIER’S FINAL REST

Thumbing through old photos
buried deep in a worn out chest
A day of sorrow fills the room
preparing for a soldier’s final rest

A uniform folded neatly
with creases still just right
Medals shining there so brightly
bringing stories back to light

He lived a hero’s life
that now is being shown
One of dignity and bravery
that few had ever known

Tattered pictures on the walls
of many people he had known
Their faces ever haunting……
names written on a wall of stone

Most thought him to be crazy
the way he lived his final days
He’d sit on that old porch for hours
always looking out of place

You’d find him every morning
at the flag pole out in front
He raised the colors proudly……
then back down with the setting sun

No longer does it wave
at the top of that old pole
Half mast is where it hangs
for this soldier of long ago

Just a few forgotten buddies
are the only family that remains
They’re here to salute his honor
and carry him to his final resting place

The bugler plays his music
as they place him in his grave
Another hero is remembered
as the Chaplain calls his name

©Linda
December 16, 2003