Lament

His was a battle of untold proportions,
Unknown, unsung by anyone else.
Sharing the burden was never an option,
Squaring his shoulders so no one could tell.

Stoic and Spartan, this faceless emotion
Stored in a vault, never lending a key.
Asking no favor, giving no quarter,
No hint of pain by the slightest degree.

Now that it’s over, his journey complete,
A calm settles over his battle-scarred face
As if to remember a time before anguish
Became his obsession, quickened his pace.

We who remain will be charged to bear witness,
To ever be mindful his memory survives.
Tasteful retelling of his brave heart story,
Grateful reminder as he claims his prize.

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