Army Buddies
It had been nigh sixty years since they'd chatted with each other.
When they wore the uniform they were closer than any brother.
They'd borne the din of battle as members of a rifle squad.
One returned to France to visit the other sleeping 'neath the sod.
He knelt to caress the marble stone of his buddy to reminisce,
And his hushed, plaintive conversation went a lot like this:
"Greetings, my dear brother, it seems so very long ago,
Since we staged the big show for the liberation of Saint Lo."
"I'll never forget the bravery of the men in our platoon,
As we clashed with the foe on that fateful afternoon.
Each pressed on, never minding the falling bombs and shell.
As always, my friend, you were at my side when you fell."
"Oh, how my heart aches, dear pal, as I recall that awful day,
When I clasped you to my breast as your life ebbed away.
Just the other day I saw your lovely daughter and handsome lad.
Tho' they never knew you, they're mighty proud of their dad."
"Sleep in peace, dear comrade, and know you didn't die in vain.
Because of gallant men like you, the world knew peace again.
I'll stand in ranks with you for the final call of the roll one day."
With tearful eyes, he rose, saluted and slowly walked away.
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)
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