I know you had good reason
and that you are not to blame.
For all the time you were gone
but it still hurts, just the same.
I just wanted to let you know
just what you did not get to see.
Some of the life you missed
while where you did not want to be.
There were so many birthday parties
half of my life it does seem.
I only got to see you then
at night when I did dream.
The start of my time in school
I cried that first day.
You weren't there to see
my big part in our school play.
Little league, football
swimming and summer fun.
A fractured family, we were
always missing one.
Oh and how I did cry
cause I did not know why.
Under that far off sky
you had to fight and die.

I know you would have liked
how well for the prom I dressed.
You would have been proud
when I passed my drivers test.
There were dates and dances
graduation and more.
Anniversaries, Christmases
trips to the movie or the store.
You were truly missed
on that one big day.
I wish you could have been there
by my side to give me away.
At each family gathering
your grandchildren by our side.
We recount once again the story
of how you lived and died.
We tell of the sacrifice
that we all had to share.
The ultimate price you gave
because you did love and care.
No more will we cry
because we all know why
Under that far off sky
you had to fight and die.

Your heart had to much love
for just your family.
You chose to share that love
with all in your country.
To do your very best
to serve and to protect.
To proudly bear the burden
with honor and respect.
You did not feel shorted
by the life you had to miss.
But cherished each moment
with great joy and bliss.
When I see that picture
of you in uniform.
My love, pride and joy
for our country is reborn.
I wish we could have had you
with us for all your time.
I am thankful for the moments
that you were here and mine.
No more will I cry
your county remembers why
Under that far off sky
you had to fight and die.

05/27/2007

Author's Note: For those who gave the final measure for us all.

Posted on 05/27/2007
Copyright © 2024 Charles M Harrison