THE LAST RIDE

Death of a soldier

The flag-draped wooden box slides down

a cold, steel ramp

the drizzle slightly dampens its vision

It is a dark, bleak, early morning

my eyes blur, hours of bawling, heaving

dried tears on my face and black suit

my little ones hold tight

looks of fear emanating from their eyes

bewildered

Soldiers soaking wet, stand like statues

never move, no emotion

carry out their duty

the flag gently folds in perfect form

plants in my shaky hands as a gift

though I pause to receive

whispers of thank you

I stand motionless, rigid, timorous

I am vacuous, no one stirs me

thoughts ramble through my mind

why did he go?

why him?

I am a widow

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This is simply both beautiful and heartbreaking. It reminded me of the military pomp at both my father's and my brother's funerals. An army brigadier general shook my hand at my brother's wake; he smelled of whiskey and cigars. I can still hear the gunfire and smell the cordite from my daddy's twenty-one gun salute.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Fabian for your kind review, fondly, Betty

[Fabian G. Franklin]

My pleasure. I sent along a message. It's nice to meet you.

[NotUsinganymore]

Very sweet and sad poem about someone who lost their husband in a war. I really enjoyed this, it was very forlorn.

[Einstein Noodle]

sheesh! well done Betty ... deeply moving for me .. feeling all the pain .. great work setting the scene .. the silence unwritten screams at me .. sounds muffled by grief and grey drizzling rain ... if you have lost someone in such a way ... my sympathy lay with you .. if not .. you have nailed it says i! :((((
E.

[barleygirl]

I have a movie on DVD: "Taking Chance" with Kevin Bacon . . . the entire movie is about taking a soldier's coffin to his hometown. First time watching, I was truly amazed to see the level of detailed reverence that is paid to the fallen, at least to the extent this movie depicted it. Your poem is the only other time I've read or seen something in art that made me really grasp the totality of this experience for those involved in it. It makes me sad that celebrity deaths get so much attention but the real heroes don't have very many in attendance, in comparison. Here's hoping your Easter weekend is full of affection, if not the usual closeness! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Betty Hermelee]

You nailed it once again Margie! Unknowns don’t get much attention at death, sad to say. Thanks again for your awesome critique! Hugs, Betty

[Paul Bell]

Probably the worse experience for anyone to bear.
The folded flag being the ultimate reminder.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes indeed! Thank you for your comment

[Lea Sheryn]

Sad and heartrending. You captured the moment and brought tears to my eyes.

[Betty Hermelee]

I hope not too many tears!! Thanks always for your comments,fondly, Betty

[Lea Sheryn]

A few.

You're very welcome, Betty. I enjoy your poetry.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is so sad, and reminds us, yes, we are losing so many to this pandemic. But we are fighting an invisible enemy, a disease, whereas with war, humans are fighting each other...and for what?
seems so senseless, when Wars could be avoided. But we are in a war of sorts now...Powerful write.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Ahh Jacob, you always have an excellent comment; many thanks always.
Fondly, Betty