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About This Poem

Their Final Farewell

Duty called once again for the warrior brave and true.
His loving family gathered about to wish him a sad adieu.
The somber skies cast a pall upon the poignant scene,
As they bid farewell to their hero, their United States Marine!

He held his parents and they whispered, "God go with you son.
We'll pray for your protection until your tour of duty is done.
Remember well the lessons in Sunday school that you were taught,
And that the Twenty-third Psalm will comfort you when you are distraught!"

He knelt holding Danny saying, "You're the man of the house now.
I love you, son!" and tenderly kissed him upon the brow.
To little Nan he said, "Keep that smile on your pretty face."
His eyes misted as he kissed her and held her in close embrace.

As his children clasped his legs he held his sweet wife near.
They promised eternal love vowing, "I'll always love you dear.
I'll hold you in my heart - I eagerly await a happier day!"
With a final kiss he grasped his duffel and slowly walked away.

'Twas to be his final battle and then he would at last retire,
To regale his children and grandchildren nigh a glowing fire.
Alas, 'twas not to be for on the field of strife he perished,
Sacrificing all for his nation and those he loved and cherished.

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(c)  All Rights Reserved

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  1. Date: 3/5/2013 3:16:00 PM

    So heartbreaking that lives have been torn apart by war, you captured that in this terrific write! Hugs

  1. Date: 3/5/2013 9:51:00 AM

    Another great poem that I enjoyed reading this morn, Thanks for sharing. Lucilla

  1. Date: 2/25/2013 6:37:00 PM

    My late grandmother was constantly worrying when my father and cousin were both in Korea. Another splendid write Bob.

  1. Date: 2/25/2013 4:50:00 PM

    Oh......what a familiar story....sad but true...you captured I beautifully....thank you

  1. Date: 2/25/2013 4:02:00 PM

    Mr. Hinshaw, your poems are still the best. Hope you and Vera are doing well. 'take care~SKAT

  1. Date: 2/25/2013 3:02:00 PM

    so sad but so beautifully told, bob! i was hoping for a happy ending, although i had a feeling it wasn't to be. your rhymes are wonderful!

  1. Date: 2/25/2013 1:03:00 AM

    Hi Robert wow this has left a lump in my throat, so sad, to many die for peace is it worth it, I suppose it is but still why oh why oh why, all the best Owen

  1. Date: 2/24/2013 8:52:00 PM

    This is truly heart-wrenching, and unfortunately it's occurring all to often these days. Well done, Bob! Love, Kim

  1. Date: 2/24/2013 6:39:00 PM

    ‡ Never Do We Take Away From A Heart The Beauty Of Their Own, As Peering With Flames Amid One's Eyes At The True Sources Of Such Sorrows, Sweet Precious Robert ˜ Quite The Stirring Verse Played Out Day Upon Day Century Upon Century ˜ Someone Prepare The Millstones; Etch Them Deeply ˜ I Am Going To Favour This Not Because I Embrace Nor Enjoy Somber, But, Because Love Belongs Atop A Pedestal! ˜ Always, Rachel * Ps., Beautiful In Bittersweet. *

  1. Date: 2/24/2013 6:09:00 PM

    This is a tremendous and beautiful write my friend! You have portrayed what some of our wartime families and heroes go through, the unfortunate ending of many of our heroes, but their sacrifices lives on in all of our lives! What a masterfully written poem, Great Work!!

  1. Date: 2/24/2013 4:46:00 PM

    Oh ,...youve made me tear up. this is heartbreaking..well written my dear. BG