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"The Army Uniform"
Reality had hit its mark
the day he went away
to go to Basic Training.
I cried and cried that
day.
While at Basic
graduation
I began to see
eighteen years of
changes.
It was so strange for
me.
For the blonde-haired
child
that stole my heart
had somehow been
transformed
from a little boy into
this MAN
in an Army uniform.
But it was late one
Summer's night
in June 2005
that my whole world came
crashing down
right there before my
eyes.
You see, my son had left
for war,
my heart completely
torn.
But proud he was to
serve us in
his Army uniform.
I just had laid my head
down
to get some rest that
night.
The telephone began to
ring
and then I saw
headlights
outside my bedroom
window
At this time???? Who
could it be???
So I jumped up, ran over
there
to see if I could see.
My husband reached to
grab the phone.
Our nephew called to
warn
about "some military
lady"
in an Army uniform.
OH NO, DEAR GOD, THIS
CAN'T BE REAL!!
I know this isn't good!
I ran downstairs and out
the door
there to my left she
stood.
About that time she saw
me
and quickly spun around
But she stood straight
and clicked her heels.
I'll ne'er forget that
sound.
But it was the words
that followed
that I didn't want to
hear.
Although my heart
already knew,
she confirmed my biggest
fear.
I felt as if my blood
drained out.
My arms and legs felt
weak.
I couldn't hardly catch
my breath
and I could barely
speak.
Went back inside and I
got dressed,
to my parents house I'd
go
to tell them of the
tragic fate
of the grandson they
loved so.
Twelve days passed when
came the day
my son, we laid to rest.
For him, his final race
was run.
He'd done his very best.
A flag-draped casket was
before us
and a long line had been
formed
of sad military people
in their Army uniforms.
And as they all walked
by him
they stopped.....gave a
salute
to their fallen brother
and
the freedom he pursued.
It was beneath the big
blue sky
as we stood o'er his
grave.
Both familiar folks and
strangers came
to honor one so brave.
It wasn't long the shots
rang out.
They numbered
twenty-one.
What followed was the
chilling sound
of "Taps" that had
begun.
Emotions we could not
contain.
Laughed some, but mostly
cried
for the patriotism shown
that day
had our hearts consumed
with pride.
Now there stands a
wooden cabinet
and I gaze inside to see
all the articles that's
placed inside
which sparks a memory.
But most precious of my
treasures
inside the cabinet they
adorn
are the medals, boots
and dog tags
and his Army uniform.
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2005
- 2009 MWSA