Soldier's Cadence

'Soldier's Cadence' A father's pride, a mother's delight, life progresses Elastic hugs, warming comfort, floating dark. Dreamy days, muted sounds, soft caresses. Pushing throbbing, urgent contracting, curious lights Quickening beats, seeking release, shoving limbs Resonant cries, hands grasping, wondrous sights Holding arms, stroking hands, loving sighs Caring bosom, tender embrace, comforting words Always soft, ever near, sleepy lula-byes School bells, teenage trials, boyhood done Ball grounds, puppy love, evening gowns Studies over, manhood near, an American son Country calls, Army braid, bugle sounds Barracks life, dusty trails, sweating strains Parade grounds, graduation cheers, pride abounds. Assignments given, War bound, stomach flutters Nerves steeled, loved ones calmed, plane departs Landing bounce, wings groan, prop shudders Days blur, nights swelter, soldiers cope Hellish sights, endless nights, chilling fear Departure nears, date held dear, family's hope. A rifle shot, a medic yells, a soldier falls. Holding arms, hard embrace, fearfilled sighs. Caring hands, calming voice, death calls. Flag draped, uniform medaled, homeward bound. Coffin lowers, salute rendered, flag offered A mother's broken heart, a father's anguished sound.