Grief

Thunder 6 tells us that grief can be as strong as a sledgehammer hitting us square in the chest and that in its own time it will be felt by all …”I will not forget our honored dead, someday when I am safely ensconced in the familiar I will grieve properly, in a way that is fitting for so painful a loss. But for now I’ll accept the stilted range of emotions I’ve been left with and focus on the missions at hand.”

To those soldiers that have passed on, I shall add a small poem that expresses the sacrifice and nobility of their cause, and the gratitude I have for them that toil constantly so that we may live free.

FINAL INSPECTION

The Soldier stood and faced God

Which must always come to pass

He hoped his shoes were shining

Just as bright as his brass.

"Step forward you Soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?

"The Solider squared his shoulders and said

"No, Lord, I guess I ain't

Because those of us who carry guns

Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work on Sundays

And at times my talk was tough,

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny

That wasn't mine to keep.

Though I worked a lot of overtime

When the bills got just to steep,

And I never passed a cry for help

Though at times I shook with fear,

And sometimes, God forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around

Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here,Lord,

It needn't be so grand,

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.

"There was silence all around the throne

Where the saints had often trod

As the Soldier waited quietly,

For the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, you Soldier,

You've borne your burden well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell."

...Author Unknown