Arlington Cemetery Photo

Feeling Old Age

Finding a path that we knew well

One that once we ran down with out the least trouble

Now we struggle to traverse the least thing

Yes we are still willing but are unable.

New blood and strength have taken the fast track

Our worn bodies are now just in the way.

Oh we are afforded the courtesy of respect

But we find it hard to let go of the dream of youth.

Old uniforms that no longer fit

Ones that are no longer in style.

Ribbons and badges of long ago

Find no place of honor as they once did.

We aren’t bitter anymore

Just still wishing that we had been welcomed home.

Let it be said that our brave young men and women never come home without a deserved welcome.

Our time in the sun is past and we can rest at last.

A tear might form in our eye

But not for we who are still around

Rather for our friends and comrades who didn’t make it home.

An old soldier never forgets the time he was the new and young soldier.

As our eyes grow dimmer with each day

Our memories stand out like the morning sun.

Feeling sorry for ourselves I guess you could say

Seems the older we get the more we remember our days in the sun.

©David R. Alexander

May 16, 2003

All Rights Reserved