Veteran

Taps was played at the graveyard
as we laid an old soldier to rest,
the haunting notes of the bugle
made pride swell up in my chest.

The flag that draped the coffin
and tears in the family’s eyes,
reminds me of the debt we owe
each time a veteran dies.

The selfless risk these servicemen
endured through the years they served,
convinced me these few tributes
weren’t all that they deserved.

Preserving our nation’s freedom
at risk of life and limb,
left me bereaved and to believe
we owe a lot more to him.

These Sailors, Airmen and Soldiers
Coast Guardsmen and all the Marines,
humble us with their sacrifice
freely given, or so it seems.

They left the embrace of loved ones
and it hurt them, this I know,
to perform their required duty
because they loved us so.

We have to remember the burden
these heroes of freedom bore,
carrying the day so far away
deserving tribute…forevermore.


by Robert Quinn
all rights reserved