Flag draped coffin

She was his faithful down home girl
From his little home town
She had faith in God and Country
White was her wedding gown

She Went to church every Sunday
Unwavered was her faith
Every day she would pray to God
To keep her hero safe

One dreadful day she drove up to
the only local store
She came back to her worst nightmare
A black car by the door

The somber faced Sargent Major
Delivered her the news
He couldn't soften it for her
Not a damn thing he could do

Her hero came home fully dressed
in a flag draped coffin
She was consumed by grief so hard
No words or deeds could soften

There was a Marine Corps funeral
     With tradition and words
She just sat staring at the ground 
     Said not a single word

Three weeks later she joined her man
in the cold hallowed ground
Found sprawled out dead on the floor
when her sister came around

Sleeping pills and alcohol
May have played a part
But everyone knew the truth
She died of a broken heart

Reviews

[KAOlmsted]

Tragic. It is unfortunate that this occurs. You tackled the subject with a respectfulness that may surprise some of your new readers but has never surprised me or your loyal fan base. You are a true poet, and this is the proof. Those chills I feel have zero to do with my flu...those chills are all you. Well done.

[quinfinn]

is it just me kimmer, or has anyone else noticed the elephant in the room? no replies to any reviews on this poem. ricochet is one of the best poets on this site...

[KAOlmsted]

I noticed that...You know, I wouldn't want to speak for him, but I hope it doesn't put anyone off he didn't comment on the reviews for this piece. It is my understanding that sometimes, when he writes these deep, powerful pieces, he just lets them roll...I know for a fact he appreciates every last comment...as do you. And yes, I agree. He is.

[quinfinn]

;)

[Baby Ricochet]

These are hard enough just to write.

[Baby Ricochet]

I do appreciate all your comments. Thank you guys. You truly are my friends

[KAOlmsted]

Always, Mark...

[Paul Bell]

Well penned. Faith may be strong.
But reality is stronger.
Getting killed in action.
Being told of the death.
Folded flag.
Trying to live with the death.
So tough.

[Coyote Poetry]

A very sad poem. I been to three Michigan friends funerals. I saw whole towns close down for their fallen heroes. A Soldier's death is hard to understand for the family. You hope the one you love can come home safe and sound. The story you told in the poem ended with additional heartbreak. I wish wars would end. But man hate is stronger for war than his desire for peace.
Coyote

[Eric Pudalov]

Another great and very touchingly emotional piece, Ricochet. I've really enjoyed your combat and war-based poems, because I know, truly, that they are based on your experience, and that you are pouring your heart out, so-to-speak.

These, to me, are better than the snottiest academic poems I could read, because I feel that honesty is one of the greatest things a poet can offer. (And it takes a lot of guts, too!)

[astronaut]

I love this. My fave of yours.

[Zoya Sahai]

Its a very touching piece..

[Emerald Seas]

War sucks. All military spouses worry about that visit in the back of our minds. Such a tragic loss, always. Made my first and only casualty call when I was a young LCpl with the chaplain. I was 19 and the wife was 17 or 18, her family on the east coast. The SgtMaj thought I could be a comfort since I was so close to her age. It was horrifying to witness her grief - baby only a few months old. I did what I could, but still believe to this day it wasn't nearly enough.
A very truthful write that grips tightly.

[Michael of Gilead]

I liked this, it touched a nerve and I think it's well executed.

I would however edit out "covered" imho flag draped coffin works better.

[saratogaparty]

You did it well.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

there is so much pain in this poem...the loss..

one of my sister's best friend went to Nam...was coming home on a wednesday..done with his tour...
and was accidentally killed by friendly fire, the tuesday before...

war is tragedy...this poem is full of deep emotions.

jacob