With heartfelt dedication, until the day you fell
You fought hard for this nation and son, you did it well,
A soldier, first and foremost; a warrior ‘til the end
Your soul, now far from battle, flies freely on the wind.

A comrade to so many, for just thirty years old
You have traded your armor for wings made of pure gold,
The mission is behind you; you have set down your gun
You are at peace in Heaven, now that your task is done.

You kept the hopes of many, tethered to your own soul
You faced tremendous hardship; yet always kept control,
The wellbeing of others rose far above your own
And, while your time is over; you did not die alone.

Brave men had come before you; there will be many still
A special group of angels, given tough chores to fill,
These angels, known as heroes, made the true sacrifice
And now, my son, you've joined them; be well in Paradise.

© 2007 – Jill Eisnaugle’s Poetry Collection