The Eulogizer

He’s called the Eulogizer He reluctantly accepts this moniker as our elder A name for which he feels disdain Since it conjures memories of unspeakable pain He's lost a father, mother, sister and son His nights sleepless realizing his duty is not yet done I sit among those assembled, feeling anxious I know his words will bring a measure of solace His face stone, voice strong, steady Fighting his emotion Carefully crafted memories are his calming potion As anyone, he’s averse to this task How long will he fool us with his mask Conveying the spirit of those lost, their idiosyncratic ways He's reluctant yet seemingly could speak for days Rigid at the podium stands his six foot four frame After this day he will never be the same Face stricken white, eyes without color, eyebrows raised as if asking why Pushing on, he must try Unaccompanied by notes or written speech Each of us welcoming, wanting, needing his outreach As he speaks, his grieving words encircle us from above Settling to impart a healing salve of love He speaks eloquently of his many memories Figuratively, bringing us to our knees Hopes and dreams of those gone, now only casualties Many sit trembling, sorrow decomposes their composure He executes his chore Foolishly hoping there will be no more He doesn’t question or complain His love precludes feelings of disdain He is eloquent His plain spoken manner brilliant Evoking warm memories of those lost, so elegant Now standing before his mothers grave A ceremony for the soul he hopes to save Engulfed by dead winter cemetery silence Ghosts of father, mother, son and sister stand in reverence The sergeant at arms, face cast in steel A strong soldier, we wonder if he can feel His stout frame encased in military blue Highlighted by medals and awards casting an ominous hue Flanked by motionless men of lesser rank For their presence our country we thank A half step forward He leans in toward To the Eulogizer the sergeant utters in hushed tone As if family and friends have left them standing alone The folded flag resting between white gloved hands The Eulogizer firmly stands “On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Navy, and a grateful nation please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to Country and the US Navy." Then a moment forever frozen in time and memory For those standing close enough to see The steely soldier contains himself no longer A tear upon his cheek swells, becoming stronger More invisible souls gather upon the hallowed ground The millions lost since the first musket cracked with sound The lone bugler standing under a mighty oak Red, white and blue his eyes, gloves and uniform He Taps, long sorrowful notes inciting emotional storm The sergeant holds a long salute, and when it’s done We disperse, each pondering a private question The Eulogizer’s words deliver comfort and peace Enabling a mourners pain to cease There’s no need to live in fear While waiting until you again will hear From the Eulogizer