An Old Soldier
Friend, I have faced many a difficult battle,
Dangerous missions that required some backbone;
As a soldier, I have encountered hard times,
But this trip was the toughest one I had known.
My feet became heavy, but still I walked on,
Moving down the long hallway to where he lay;
This man was my best friend and fellow soldier,
But, I had received news, he would die today.
His room was now only a few feet away,
I became frozen, standing there at his door;
I had come to say goodbye to my comrade,
For after today, I would see him no more.
He was sitting up, as if waiting for me,
I noticed an old familiar smile on his face;
He said; “Soldier, I’m sure glad you came today,
For soon ole’ buddy, I’ll be leavin’ this place.
He said; “Now you know I don’t like hospitals,
There’s just too much sufferin’ n’ pain;
‘Sides, these places stir up many old memories,
Some I’ve been reliving again and again.”
“But, Soldier, I’ve got a brand new a’signment,
I’m goin’ t’ a land where there ain’t no wars;
A place where winds of peace are always blowin’,
It’s a long mission, away up b’yond the stars.”
“Yes sir, I’m ready, be gone in a short while,
But there’s a thing or two I’d like you to know.”
“You, Sir have always been my very best friend,
Sure gon’na miss our talks, and I’ve loved you so.”
As he spoke, a glow came upon his old face,
Like none that I had ever seen there before;
He said; “Listen up Soldier, I’m being called,
A messenger’s a’standin’ there at my door.”
I took his hand as he squeezed mine so tightly,
I swear, I have never seen him so at ease;
He turned and spoke up again, smiling widely,
“The Commanders’ waitin’, now I’ve got t’ leave! ”
And then, just like that, the old soldier was gone,
Then I felt his firm grip on my hand release;
I stood at full attention to salute him,
As I said; “So long dad, now go… rest in peace.”
poem by Loyd C. Taylor
Added by Poetry Lover
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