Forever Young

Repatriation of a fallen soldier

The coffin draped in national flag
festooned with roses thrown,
mourned by the crowd that lined the way
as if he were their own.

Behind the slowly moving hearse
the family walked heads high,
for though the war had claimed his life
to them he'd never die.

Forever young this soldier,
forever young now free,
his life laid down for mankinds sake,
for justice, liberty.

Spontaneous, at first a few
but gradually one by one,
applause rang off every hand
in gratitude to this son.

A mothers child, a brother,
a fathers pride and joy,
in military terms a man of war,
to the family still their boy.

Forever young this soldier,
forever young now free,
his life laid down for mankinds sake,
for justice, liberty...

Reviews

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

Wonderful like a tribute to a great soldiers. Delighted to read this...

[Gee]

Thank you....

[Jamestown]

Well penned!
Yes we are very fortunate to have these service men and women to
make our lives better, PTL! Thanks for sharing and b-blessed!

[Gee]

Indeed we are.Thanks JT

[Woody]

I know I'm a softie. I had goosebumps when reading this (I kid you not). no, don't be silly, I didn't cry. something got into my eye.
I don't know which I like better, Gee, the jokester or Gee, the sensitive.
I loved it, Gee. very well written, moving and beautiful.

[Gee]

Thanks for both reading and such a kind review,you're a gent

[andrew mitchell]

A great write about the losses in wars told with respect, and honour to those no more,great imagery and very well written Gee.

[Gee]

Yeahhhh,cheers mate,thumbs up means a lot.Thanks

[andrew mitchell]

It was like I was there on reading this!

[Gee]

Used to be a regular occurrence to see the coffins passed through the Wiltshire streets upon repatriation.So moving

[dan]

Gee, In keeping with the spirit and intent of Memorial Day, I have to thank you for sharing this beautifully penned and touching tribute. As a Navy veteran, I look to the flag and notice that it seems to be flying with more pride and honor than it does normally. Too many people are jaded when it comes to the news stories, "6 Marines killed when their helicopter goes down in Nepal." Thank you for putting a face on the fallen, making them something more than a number or news story. take care...dan

[Gee]

Cheers Dan.Ihave nothing but respect and admiration for all those that have and do wear the uniform and fight for their country and the liberty of us all.I take my hat off to you,thank you.