Atonement

Listen to the soulful sound
of the final bugle call
the gleaming brass, the streaming eyes
Another Brother falls

Gathered round the resting site
Flag draped over polished wood
The expected said, in respect of the dead
On shaky legs we stood

The Look of sorrow etched upon the face
hearts break, as we execute a sharp salute
the flag is folded, with crisp precision
Presented to the victims of his youth

The Rifle volley fired into the sky
The smell of powder fills the air
Ironic in its own right
For it was a rifle that put him there

Day by day, throughout the land
The Vietnam war greedily took its toll

One by one, 

by the thousands, 

Silent scribes, 

Expressionless, as the story never told.

We solemnly turn and walk away
The heart of the warrior understands
With our blood we atone for our countries sins
We are freedoms sacrificial lambs....

Boondocker 5/02/01