A chosen career, trained to survive, with out any fear to be seen,
They watched when he left for the Air Force or Army or Navy, or US Marine,
Overseas, out of reach, out of touch, but she stretched out and reached,
There was snail mail and e-mail and wow, there is Skype,
Overseas, he is, his parents and hometown reached out and stretched,
They tied yellow ribbons and remembered him and all brothers who served,
Banners on gym walls.
Remembered in prayers.
Extended family gave care,
To his kids and spouse.
Then...
Like many who served before and fell, as he served and
did not get up from
where he fell, sacrificed for others,
answered his call, brushed the desert sand off and,
he went Home.

His name is etched in black, dates and medals noted below,
Lawns manicured, green with white markers row upon row,
She still reaches out and puts flowers by the white marble stone,
Lying down, she stretches out on his grave, even when she is not alone,
The cold comfort so misunderstood, she is as close as she can be till
they both unite in Eternity.   She stands and his mother kneels until
the sun has set.

Her family, his family, catches and wipes away small and large tears,
They all live in freedom, when he left, he took some fears...away.