This Old Soldier Remembers

He had grown older than he realized

His hair now gray and the gleam had left his eyes.

He still remembers his friends of long ago

His gait is shorter and he walks kinda slow.

One thing he still finds the time to do

Every year at Memorial and Veterans Day, he shows the respect due.

Each year he pulls our the stool from the kitchen, and climbs to the shelf

And takes down a box and opens it with care all by himself.

Within the box are the treasures of his youth,

A few ribbons, a hat, and a worn uniform, remembering the truth.

Long ago, his mind takes him back

To the days of his service and pictures lay neatly in a stack.

He takes out the uniform and slowly puts it on.

The years have taken a toll on the uniform, but the pride isn’t gone.

His quest isn’t an easy one for it causes him to remember days from the past.

It’s hard to believe the years have gone by so fast.

Dressed and ready he makes his way to the corner of the street

Maybe this year an old friend he will meet.

As the parade slowly moves along he stands proud and tall

For once again, he is in uniform and his service he does recall.

As the color guard passes with the flag blowing in the wind

He salutes it with vigor and shows the pride from within.

For another year has come and gone and no friend does he see

But he won’t stop coming because to him he still fights for you and me.

He will always remember even if his days maybe numbered

And his health may leave but he shall remain unencumbered.

Because he stands for all that came before and shall be there long after he is gone.

For his God, family and country he served and still to the flag is he drawn.

©David R. Alexander

May 29, 2003

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