No Longer Mourn
Hands that caught me in moments of despair Waving goodbye as I set off To answer the call from my command Duty, honor, helping my fellow man My combat boots set off to tread the desert sands. Eyes now weep and mourn With hands folded in prayer Kneeling beside a stone bearing my name Remember your heart is where our memories are stored Even though your heart is breaking looking for someone to blame Hold no grudges or feelings of scorn Even though my body was sent home torn Covered in the flag of our nation Tenderly placed in a grave Please, oh please, weep no more I am no longer there. My feet are no longer tied to the ground My spirit soars higher and higher Joining my place with the ancients of old My body no longer in the darkness and cold Forever now embraced by the warmth of the Light. No more need for weapons I was set free from the chaos of war. Cherish the time you held me in your arms Hands that protected me from harm Cry no more, I did not die alone Your memories kept my heart warm As my spirit took flight leaving all fear from the firestorm. Forever connected by memories alone Fill your heart with joy and laughter Even though my body is no more Lest my death for freedom be in vain Feel my presence all around For my spirit is forever near No longer bound to the ground. by Susan Escobar ... who is a teacher, former servicemember, and spouse of a serving Airman; her work has also been anthologized in The Sounds of Poetry, as well as previous appearances in this magazine. |