Arlington

Oh, sweep not the tears away, But let them fall for those who fell, Or battled through a living hell, Or served on to end of day, With deeds will known... or not at all. Whether on fields or shot shorn heights, In water's swells or beaches long, Each soldier performed his duty, strong. Here his mortal body now lays, days and nights, But the soul lives on, awaiting The Return. Every soldier, known and loved, If not to man then only by God. In heart-filled silence, one kneels on the sod, Lifting to the Father prayers of the beloved, Eager for the day to meet again. The tears having been shed, The prayers offered in remembrance, Forget not the reason they held rifles with fixed bayonets, But carry on in that one's stead, Bearing the banner of liberty and faith. As one lone soldier guards the Unknown, So too do solemn trees stand. Both watching, caring for no other demand, Waiting 'til final winds of the world have blown, Guarding the memories of our dead.