Military Funeral
The clouds wept with me. The cold wind hit it’s mark.
The black canopy swayed in the mid day dark.
Naive young uniforms saluted as you go by,
A life of service unquestioned, as I wondered why.
Kind words were spoken, but fell on sad, deaf ears.
Nothing could be said to calm and take away my tears.
The only comfort given, was the wind and the rain.
As if the earth joined in and tried to shoulder some of my pain.
Guns at ready, FIRE! I knew that they would come.
I still jumped at the sound—of all twenty one.
Folded the flag, presented it, as they lowered you in the ground.
I drowned in tears and sorrow, yet made no sound.
The rain and wind said it for me. They gave a sad long moan.
As if to speak on my behalf, “She is so alone.”
Leaving you behind, everyone slowly moved away.
They’ve played their part, they’re finished, but I’m still beside your grave.
Walking away seemed so wrong. Instead I just stood and wept.
But the wind blew cold as if to say a vigil will be kept.
I finally moved so slowly, under my new burden to bare.
It feels as if life stopped that day and my heart is still right there.
Sometimes the wind will blow, or I’ll feel a drop of rain.
As if the earth is comforting me and trying to wash away my pain.
The black canopy swayed in the mid day dark.
Naive young uniforms saluted as you go by,
A life of service unquestioned, as I wondered why.
Kind words were spoken, but fell on sad, deaf ears.
Nothing could be said to calm and take away my tears.
The only comfort given, was the wind and the rain.
As if the earth joined in and tried to shoulder some of my pain.
Guns at ready, FIRE! I knew that they would come.
I still jumped at the sound—of all twenty one.
Folded the flag, presented it, as they lowered you in the ground.
I drowned in tears and sorrow, yet made no sound.
The rain and wind said it for me. They gave a sad long moan.
As if to speak on my behalf, “She is so alone.”
Leaving you behind, everyone slowly moved away.
They’ve played their part, they’re finished, but I’m still beside your grave.
Walking away seemed so wrong. Instead I just stood and wept.
But the wind blew cold as if to say a vigil will be kept.
I finally moved so slowly, under my new burden to bare.
It feels as if life stopped that day and my heart is still right there.
Sometimes the wind will blow, or I’ll feel a drop of rain.
As if the earth is comforting me and trying to wash away my pain.