Taps For a Veteran

It was so simple All he had to do Was what they Told him Stand straight Wet your lips Press the valves And let the bugle do the rest. The last few words Were the toughest “..Then goodnight, peaceful night; Till the light of the dawn shineth bright. God is near, do not fear, Friend, goodnight.” The melancholy sound Lingered for a moment Emotions evaporated In the warm afternoon sun Tears stopped Then an uneasy silence Came As the mourners Slowly left the cemetery. He was just a regular soldier There weren't any buglers left The bugle He played Was electronic With the press of a button A sound came out But who was to know It was all make believe. He waited Half hidden Under the shade of the trees Nervously placing The bugle Back in its case For him There was no sense of satisfaction Only of relief That it was over. Taking a deep breathe He turned And walked away Just like they told him to.