I see this piece, written a few years ago, as my gift to Memorial Day. It could be any soldier in any war, always too young to die.
© 2016 Barbara Grace Lake
The minister told of his life
His barely eighteen years of life
The casket closed, his body ripped
A valiant soldier he, life shorn
Two years before and for three years
In Little League, my own son’s team
A flawless fielder, playing fair
He gave no quarter, asked for none
So when the summons came he went
To fight or perish far from home
To slay an enemy unknown
He served his country well, and died.
And now we put his casket down
Three shots convulse the morning air
Three shots convulsing in my head
My choking, sobbing tears won’t stop
It’s not enough. He gave his life
Three shots and taps and folded flag
In two more years he could be mine
My God, too young…too young to die.
May 25, 2020 at 9:04 pm
Barbara, this is a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to soldiers past and present, to those living, to those who gave their lives so can live in freedom. Thank you, dear friend. Blessings.
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May 26, 2020 at 12:57 am
Thank you, dear friend, for reading and understanding an episode in my life that I pray few others experience again.
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May 26, 2020 at 1:03 am
My very sincere pleasure, Barbara. It’s always a great honor to read your defining work. Yes, I pray someday wars and all needless deaths will end. Blessings, dear friend.
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May 25, 2020 at 10:14 pm
this is beautiful Barbara. I hope we never forget the hell our heroes go through for our country!
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May 26, 2020 at 12:53 am
My hope, also, Wendi. May we never forget.
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May 26, 2020 at 7:24 pm
Amen!
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June 16, 2020 at 12:43 pm
A moving piece, Barbara.
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