Last Bell

The wind moved across the field as it had for years
But today it carried the sound of pipes
it tasted the salt of our tears
Before us lay their helmets atop the flags and polished wood
And each alone with our thoughts and prayers silently we stood
The better to hear the pipes and the words
those sounds that carried their souls
Away from the smoke and dark and heat
to where we stood on the knoll
We stood at attention as the flags made their way
to the parents, husbands, wives, and children
of the members of our family we were sending off that day
I saluted as the pipes faded into the air
And as I looked to the battered helmets
I knew our brothers and sisters were there
they were there as we were
to bid their family and friends goodbye
For they had one more alarm to answer
requested from beyond the sky
None of us could see them
but they were with us still
Their faces were in the voices and thoughts
and air as for a moment even the wind stood still
And now the tears run free down our faces
on the knoll that will be their earthly home
All hands stand fast and silent
listening for their final tone
I know they're going to heaven
because they've done their time in hell
And I know that they will get their wings
when the chaplain rings his bell.