From Me to You, Young One

by Y. M. Roger

Just look at you, sweet girl in blue.
Must be ‘bout eight?
Oh, nine – that’s great.
And this young man with flag in hand?
Your brother, Ben,
And you’re Charlynn.
Thank you both, dear, for coming here.

Those many tours
And years of war
Seem less a trial to see you smile.
Be sure to hold
That fervor bold
Your whole life long, for freedom’s song
Sometimes demands
A fighting hand.

That hand was mine before your time,
These weapons here
Not meant to fear
But guarantee that, unlike me,
You’re never tasked
To kill when asked
Or stand astride friends who’ve died

Instead, may you
And Ben here, too,
Enjoy a life that’s free from strife…
At least the kind
That leaves men blind
To naught but greed and selfish deeds.
They steal young dreams
In their dark schemes.

Remember me and what here you see –
Look to this past
And when asked
Please don't repeat – for peace, entreat.
With strength and courage,
Let freedom flourish
For you. For Ben. Forever. Amen.

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