Soldier of Goodness

An officer fell—
today he won’t
come home to tell
the tales he won’t.

He died to shield
his fellow man,
a soldier sworn
to all he can.

No house remains
with hearth or dome—
his only home
now is our own.

Where difference rose
from death and flame,
where salutes ring
through blood and name—

in hearts that burn
through northern frost,
in those who hold
the line he lost—

in those who keep
the fire fed,
and walk the oath
he walked and bled.