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

[Cherry Pepperweb]

Forever young...
So tragic when lives are stolen from the young.
This breaks my heart.

[Gee]

Happens so often.Thanks Miss P

[terry smith]

This should be read as tribute at any soldiers funeral!!! well done Gee

[Gee]

Cheers Terry,you're very kind

[jeannemarie coulter]

beautiful tribute to every young person who has given their life for mankind and our high ideals...

[Gee]

Thank you kindly Jeannemarie

[GreenShoes]

This is quite wonderful, and I thank you for writing it.

[Gee]

Hi Karen,thanks...

[wordman]

and a beautiful tribute to a fallen brother

[Gee]

Cheers,thanks for reading and commenting,appreciate it very much

[wordman]

my pleasure gee

[Rick Puetter]

And to the land of the "Forever Young" he does go. Young, himself, in years. Young, himself, in spirit. And now, young, himself, in death. And forever remembered for his sacrifice. Made for justice. Made for Liberty. There is more honor in that than in most things. So an honored death. While a life cut short, it is a life ended in honor. Who can ask for more than that?

Very best regards,

Rick

[Gee]

Thank you Rick

[ANTO]

The title 'Forever Young' can be overlooked at the start but it really hits home more and more each time the reader encounters it throughout. Like nails in a coffin - like the thud of soil on casket - each time.
The penultimate stanza - mentions 'father...man....boy" - they are all things to all men when they die this way. The refrain is very lyrical - its would be as fine a memorial song as it is a poem.
Boys aren't men just because they don a uniform but they are made to be and they certainly die like men.
Fine tribute Gee - I can't imagine how it felt to see those unending funerals. RIP.

[Gee]

Cheers mate,great review.I used to watch the almost daily broadcasts of these corteges slowly moving through the waiting crowds.So,so sad.Again thanks

[MsJewel]

A heartfelt tribute to those who keep us safe. One of the best poems I've read on this site in a long time.

:) Julie

[Gee]

I am gobsmacked by your comments,thank you kindly

[MsJewel]

My pleasure. Your poem is outstanding.

[sereenaoutloud]

brought a tear to my heart!! such a great tribute write to all that serve and help protect our freedom! Love it Gee

[Gee]

Thank you my child you are kinder than a kind person purchased from the kind store next to the fishmongers in Pitlochry High Street..

[sereenaoutloud]

so does that mean I'm kind then? lol
you are most welcome Gee this was a brilliant write! :)

[Gee]

Indeed,indeed it does my dear.Thank you

[GreenEyedPoet]

A very touching tribute Gee!
It was a great read. :]

[Gee]

Thank you...

[GreenEyedPoet]

Welcome. :]