An Airmen's Goodbye

Blue skies and fluffy clouds,
gentle warm breeze kissing my skin,
the grass a vibrant, vivid green
and the birds singing a happy tune,
the air scented in flowers and spring.

Sitting in the back row
of that beautiful glass pavilion,
feeling the cold, rough stone bench
as I run my hands slowly over it,
grounding myself to the here and now.

The harsh, metallic click
of the airmen's dress shoe heels
as they synchronize their march,
the sunlight catching their dress blues,
the only sound breaking the silence.

One is carrying a folded flag,
the lines crisp and the colors bright,
the other a small wooden box,
solemnly aware of the fact
the he carries the weight of our grief.

The military minister starts speaking
as my heart cracks just a little more,
speaking of how he served his country,
how its both sad and a peaceful moment
when an airmen's service comes to an end.

Hearing his gentle, kind words on the air
but all I can see is your picture,
soberly placed between the flag and the box
with the uniform you were so proud of
displayed standing tall to the side.

The minister closes with an ending prayer,
the elderly veteran stands up proud
and lifts his lovingly polished bugle
and plays the military taps
as the airmen all salute.

The sound of the rifle shots rend the air,
the assault on my ears matching the pain
that each volley of shots compounds,
reminding me that this is real...
that you are really gone.

They quietly and respectfully load you,
preparing to entomb you in the wall,
whispered "I'm so sorry for your loss"
and shell casings gently handed over
as I'm now expected to move on with my life.

Watching them slide your box,
the one that I've guarded so carefully,
into the long memorial wall
as close to your parents as I could get
finished freezing my heart.

I play your last whispered words
over and over in my head,
the ones the doctors said you held on for
until you knew we were there with you
so you could say them one last time.

I run my hand one last time
over the nameplate where you now rest,
knowing I'll never hear your voice
but at peace that I got you home.

An airmen's fight, bravely faced,
fought hard even with tears in your eyes,
now at rest in the peace you lacked.
Knowing it's up to us now
to carry on your fight.