Heart wrenching

Bagpipes play Amazing Grace.
The pipers' steps punctuate the beat as they march forward
and leave a body behind.
They breathe and don't as the bag twinges and echoes,
This haunting tune of hope and loss.

A lone bugler stands erect and proud, hidden behind mourners,
sounding Taps aloud.
His call resonates that all is well,
There are others standing watch, where some have fell.
A flag that no longer waves will be tear stained forever.
Unwashed but cherished; forgotten never.

My service won’t be enough.
My efforts can never bring them back.
My life is their legacy.

God bless you, my grandfather, my uncle, cousin and friend,
My brothers, sisters in arms; the unnamed cannot rend.
May the wings of angels be your shield and the whisper of God be in your ear.
Watch over us now as we walk free. Be my guide, so that I cannot mislead.

I look to the ones who’ve suffered before,
They trudged all the paths across sea and shore.
Follow me, I'll yell as we march towards battle,
Not a hero, just a Louie who's knees and teeth still clatter.

My teachers are soldiers, subordinate not friend,
It is me, on whom they will eventually depend.
They've surrendered their time and hope it wasn’t wasted.
On something too many have dreamed but not tasted.

Dusk and dawn are nothing but colors.
Help me remain vigilant every moment ours.
Their bodies have failed them, their hearts stopped beating.
But in the wind and the silence I can just hear them screaming.

“Remember the patch that's on my right shoulder.
It's folded now, and my body may molder.
A soldier doesn't ask for much more than this,
To be known as a servant who volunteered for the risk.”

I’ll bring them home, and let them sleep through the night.
Their lives are more precious than mine, am I right?
God grant me… God give me… God, take care of my family,
The private, the specialist, the sergeant; I prithee.
Serenity, strength, and wisdom above all,
I’m ready to stand, I’ll answer the call.