Forever Young

Repatriation of a fallen soldier

The coffin draped in national flag
festooned with roses thrown,
mourned by the crowd that lined the way
as if he were their own.

Behind the slowly moving hearse
the family walked heads high,
for though the war had claimed his life
to them he'd never die.

Forever young this soldier,
forever young now free,
his life laid down for mankinds sake,
for justice, liberty.

Spontaneous, at first a few
but gradually one by one,
applause rang off every hand
in gratitude to this son.

A mothers child, a brother,
a fathers pride and joy,
in military terms a man of war,
to the family still their boy.

Forever young this soldier,
forever young now free,
his life laid down for mankinds sake,
for justice, liberty...

Reviews

[Gee]

Hi Betty, thanks for your kind comments.
Hope all is well with you

[Betty Hermelee]

Very true Gee; once a son, always a son and dead or alive , a hero as well; a proud family kisses the draped coffin; he will always be their soldier who sacrificed for others.
Well done Gee!
Warmly,B🌷

[AYVID N]

Reading this poem I felt a hollowness in this victory. Wouldn't he be better off growing dodderingly old and wrinkled alongside his loved ones? I would have celebrated that kind of end better. This is so beautifully written. My compliments on such nuanced writing, on such fluidity of words and the superb rhyming.

[Gee]

Thank you. It's funny to think that I used to post my simple rhyming poems thinking that the more discerning poets in the cafe would not give them a second glance. Still takes me back a bit that my peers not only read my "stuff" but leave kind reviews.
Thank you for your support in reading and reviewing, tis very much appreciated.

[AYVID N]

Its such a pleasure and I'll certainly be back for more. :)

[Lydia Waldock]

I love this!!! It reminds me of a poem mt granddad wrote while in wwII

[Gee]

Thank you Lydia and I take my hat off to your grandad

[Lydia Waldock]

Although passed away he will appreciate :)

[Chris Shaw]

Reminds me of Brize Norton. Always made me cry buckets those ceremonies. Poignant poem Gee.

Chris

[Gee]

Memories of Wootton Bassett spawned this one.
Hi Christine, hope all is well with you.

[Askew]

This is a beautiful poem about the importance of remembering and honouring and celebrating the lives of those who gave theirs to protect ours. I love this. I read it a dozen times before posting this review, and I loved it a little more each time.

[Gee]

Thanks Lexi. Simple stuff but understandable...hopefully

[Great Aunt Astri]

Yes, we do have to acknowledge what soldiers have done. For their bravery and sacrifice. But it is well to remember that which ever side they are on, they all believe they are fighting for right. And war is usually caused by the powers that be, who are fighting for their own cause. I just wish that the World would find a way to deal with these things without bloodshed. PS. your poem was , as usual, well structured, and tripped off the tongue. Nicely done.

[Gee]

Thank you..

[GwenLark]

Wonderful. It filled me with sadness and pride at the same time. I loved it

[Gee]

Thank you Gwen

[Northern_darkness]

This is beautiful. Truly amazing. I admire your writing. You stirred up so many emotions, I don´t even have words. Beautiful.

[Gee]

Thank you, glad you approve

[Poetic Beauty]

This is a tale of heart break and one many can relate to. I love the stanza about the mother.

[Gee]

Thank you..