'The Sarge'
By: Wayne Brown
His children called him ‘Sarge’
A fitting name as he was a born military man
For so many years before their time, he had been a friend of mine
Through our young years, we charged life’s adventures
I called him ‘Banks’ and for long we moved as one
He taught me to dare, to charge, to push the limits when fear took hold
He helped me find my boldness, my confidence, my spirit
He showed determination in the face of overpowering opposition
Sarge was a lover of guns and he admired those who wore the uniform
He would have willingly led the charge into hell on short notice
But he was an only child and compromised to his parents’ love
His love for them could only be measured by the charges he did not lead
He did serve his country in a long Army career
His comrades saw in him what I did, a born military man
He answered the call every time it came with red, white and blue dedication
Iraq did beckon early on and off he went to serve with pride
His time proudly served in Iraq, he return safely to his kin
But there was no doubt, he would willingly return if the call again did come
Sarge was a soldier, a defender of the rights of all mankind
For his country, he was willing to die
The call did come to return and he dutifully packed to leave
He caught the flight and found his boots back on the sands of Iraq
No sooner he was there than the call came to return
His dear mother had fallen ill and departed life unexpectedly
Sarge came back home to bury his mother and offer his loved ones solace
His call still stood and he expected to return to Iraq again soon
For now he would return to home with his father to comfort and share their loss
But fate stepped in and took them both in a crash out on a dark highway
Now I stand and watch as Sarge’s casket is lowered to its final rest
The guns have fired, crisp salutes executed, and flags are folded into his widow’s lap
My friend has left this life and now fills this spot in the cemetery with father and mother
I stand and stare still in shock and render one final salute to my friend, ‘The Sarge’
(copyright) WBrown2010
