lying in the corner
over by the window
o'er craggy features
the soft evening light glows

he's in the hospital
been there for eight long weeks
the last tour of duty
for one staff sergeant meeks

pain in this old man's eyes
reminiscing again
recalling days of youth
he's remembering when

he was a strong young man
our nation went to war
he fought many battles
landed on many shores

he saw many young men
some were the enemy
fighting the same battles
to ensure we'd be free

just a shell of himself
his health is fading fast
his body wracked with pain
he wonders if he'll last

totally disabled
when he stepped on that mine
his body wracked with pain
there's shrapnel near his spine

he's on a morphine drip
supposed to ease the pain
it doesn't help much but
soldiers never complain

faces it with courage
his swift impending death
heart monitor flatlines
as he takes his last breath

the medics come running
but it is much too late
a old marine is now
a guard at Heaven's gates

suffering at an end
after the last eight weeks
a new tour of duty
for angel first class meeks
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

thank you, men and women of the united
states military...active duty and veterans.

thank you for your duty.
thank you for your sacrifice.
thank you for your courage.
thank you for your service.

we honor you...today and always.

God bless you this veteran's day...we will
remember and never forget.

(((HUGS))) and love, karla (USAF '83-'85).