The sheltered lives of shielded men Seem troubled, bleak, and daunting. They doom their dreams before attempt, Yet think their lives worth flaunting. What are these cares to us, returned From shelterer to sheltered; Who traveled to the edge and back; Who stared down Death and triumphed?
The rifles held in still salute Erupt three times in unison As tribute to the deaf, the mute, The dead; the fallen sons who Looked at death yet could not shun A rifle. Held in still salute, The mothers bid their boys adieu While ribbons in their windows hung As tribute. To the deaf, the …
I walk and Death walks near me. I see yet fear him not. For though he comes to claim me, Today Death walks alone. The day is fixed and chosen When with him I will go. And Death will lead me home then, But today Death walks alone. So let men try to hasten My …
I see the face of Death – A kind face, lined and careworn, tinged with sadness. His eyes, compassionate, filled with tears Of both sorrow and joy As he waits for me and I for him – For the freedom, peace, and rest that he will bring. Soon, he will offer his hand With a …
Another name adorns a wall That’s burdened by the weight of friends, Their faces dimming now As darkness claims their memories – Not sated by their lives. And one by one I see us fall As night seems lengthened without end. Yet peace is found in how, Until day breaks and shadows flee, Dawn’s hope …
The tinder sparks then spreads the flame Until it’s glowing proud again. Then one by one they gather round, Bringing chairs and sitting down To share a smoke by fire’s light, Alive and well for one more night. With quiet voices, carried low, They share the stories that they all know Of men – …