Parade of Tears

Passing before me; Parading soldiers;
Each turn toward me; I can
see their expressionless faces-
The only emotion on display is mine-
I want to touch them; Save them;
Mother their final words-
But they pass before me; Taking
with them the wide silk ribbon of
my heart-

O come back before me; Just one final
time- Stand strong and proud looking
me in the eye-
I know your strength; I know you prevailed
with courage, honor and truth-
You will always be in my heart; The structure
of my soul; The thread of freedom and
justice that I'll forever be grateful
for-

I can't bear the pangs of losing you; Not even
one of you; Thus I know your
fate; You live one final moment through
this interpreter of fleeting songs-
Leaving me; O don't leave me between the
notes of sadness; Deliver me from
this sorrow;
Lay down your head; Retire now my gentle
warrior, and weep; Let the stains burn
through the pillow of a hero's
fading cry-
And rest; Rest now; Rest on
the banner of a gracious
land
And be assured your name will
never be forgotten

© Lisa Hilbers
1/23/2006