'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.