Eleven 11

His uniform was packed away

She took it out this special day

With memories of daddy-dear

She closed her eyes and shed a tear

For 63 long years had passed

Since daddy-dear had breathed his last

And in a casket buried deep

Remained a promise sworn to keep

"I will return to see your face,

I will return, my darling Grace"

But daddy never made it back

He died beside a railroad track

His company had crept along

A group of men so brave and strong

When suddenly machine gun rounds

Tore through the air they hit the ground

The enemy had fenced them in

They never had the chance to win

Those bullets came from everywhere

And dying men lie here and there

Eleven friends reduced to one

Her Father looked into the sun

And prayed before his life was through

His will was strong, his heart was true

And for his country he had fought

And sacrificed without a thought

The only life he'd ever live

Our freedom was his gift to give

Yet for it he must risk it all

And answer such an evil call

He chose to save the world from fear

But left her without daddy-dear

So now she stands beside his grave

Remembering a man so brave

That he would give his life for you

And all you ever have to do

Is stand in silence once a year

Observing every soldier-dear

Who sacrificed their heart and soul

To keep you from such deadly tolls

So wear a poppy on your sleeve

And never let the memory leave

So generations down the line

Will know the reason Freedom shines...

Reviews

[Diamond]

A beautiful poem. Very touching. Breaking into stanzas may make it more readable.