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

[emmajoy]

What a sad but exquisite tribute to yet another dead soldier.

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

Your posts vary from extreme craziness to such deeply moving words, and for me, the latter are the finest. Your heart ticks pretty loudly here, perhaps silently begging readers never to forget. Believe me, they won't. Must not. Should not.

Have written similar cos living not far from Wootton Bassett, have driven over to stand tribute for the many hearses slowly passing through the village after repatriation to their home country. The streets have always been lined with people of old ages, all backgrounds and faiths. Heartbreaking,

'in military terms a man of war, - to the family still their boy. '

[Gee]

Thank you Emma. So sad watching the fallen repatriated, but uplifting at the same time watching people from all walks of life and religions come together to pay their respect.

[emmajoy]

It is.. I once read or heard or whatever that every war that's ever been or is is a rehearsal for the final one. Food for thought.

[Gee]

Hopefully I will not be called upon to play my part.....

[emmajoy]

Wonder how many have said that.. think of WW1..

[Gee]

There's many a name etched in stone that would have hoped but unfortunately got the call.

[emmajoy]

Nodding...

[Coyote Poetry]

I have been to many Military funerals. Three were long time friends.
"Forever young this soldier,
forever young,now free,
his life laid down for mankinds sake,
for justice ,Liberty.......... "
The above lines are spoken and become less valuable when a dead friend and soldiers is at his final place. Wars keep a-coming and peace is rarely spoken. I was part of organizing the Fort Hood Vietnam Vets. Was a sad and destine place with 2000 Vietnam vets. Most homeless and confused. I'm tire of war and I do not my children to be like me. Knowing no real peace in my lifetime for our world. I pray daily. No more useless wars. Thank you Gee for sharing the powerful poetry.
Coyote

[Gee]

They'll keep coming as long as man has greed, ego and religion. Thank you Coyote

[Coyote Poetry]

You are right. War had become part of this world. Acceptable without question.

[Lorry]

So many forever young, lived and died in horror, so that we may not know the horror they did. A beautiful epitaph Gee.

[Gee]

Cheers Nemo

[Einstein Noodle]

it will always break our hearts eh!? always ... :(

E.

[Gee]

Indeed,over and over and over........Thank you

[alifeacoustic]

Sad and poignant words Gee. Some give their all so we don't have to see the true horror of war.

[Gee]

Either very brave or very naive when signing up.Have got the utmost respect for them all.Thank you

[d.o.t]

touching poem. so much meaning to so many people

[Gee]

Cheers,thanks for reviewing

[Mr. Stage Four]

how very compelling and sad...war is such a drain and a waste of life.

[Gee]

Isn't it just,thank you

[A.marie.speaks]

you captured the sadness, love and respect that comes with those killed in action so well. "life laid down for mankinds sake, for justice, liberty.." these lines are saturated with so many controversies.. but you break it away and keep it about the man, son, brother.. loved it.

[Gee]

Cheers,I appreciate you reading and your kind comments.Thanks

[A.marie.speaks]

you're welcome

[Robert]

Nicely expressed tribute to the lives lost from war, which affects so many people.

[Gee]

Thanks Robert

[Valentine]

Robert, this write gave me chills while reading it. It flows beautifully and tells the sad story so well. Nice write. Valentine

[Gee]

Gee!!!Thanks Kathie,are you unblocked with the lady poet???

[Valentine]

No, why don't you ask her why for me. Kathie Love this poem, just trying to give you a name. Sorry.