Friday, April 04, 2025

Old Veteran

Reposed in silence, back to the wall

Reflecting on those glory days

He can’t forget, won’t forget til end of time,

Searching reason without rhyme.

 

Shoulders not so broad as then,

Stooped forward in an awkward sway

Except for when Old Glory passes

In review as Souza plays.

 

Grizzled chin and wrinkled brow belay

The swagger known in youth when

Worlds were open, energy unbound and

Fear an unknown truth.

 

Answering the call to service he

Never stopped to question fears

Even though he knew his choice would

Bring his mother lakes of tears.

 

Raspy voice, much slower now reflects

The glory known to few

Of battles fought, brothers lost,

Fears recalled as darkness grew.

 

Let any who might need to know rush

To seek his sage advice.

There is wisdom from experience,

The offspring of self-sacrifice.

 


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