Fallen Soldiers

All that remains
father
grandfather
WWII
WWI
served well
legacy of sacrifice
both survived
both fought well

kill or be killed
grandfather army guy
world war one
never talked
about what
was done
war stories none
heavy drinker
before or after
that is unknown
war to end all wars

kill or be killed
father navy guy
world war two
never talked about
what was seen
war stories none
heavy drinker
before or after
that is unknown
let's do it again
war to end all wars

bit of cloth
draped on coffin
solemn  occasion
taps
21 gun salute
flag folded gently
handed to widow
tears fall
wails of sorrow
never more

people show up
pay respects
on the world stage
just a number

flag of remembrance
stored in garage
what does it mean
many more to follow
never ending
reasons are many
never rings true

I remember
the ultimate sacrifice
life and death
that is
reality