Rest
~~~
I had seen death before
The pale faces of loved ones
Quiet and still
Placed in the silk lined box
As if they slumbered
Devoid of their suffering
Now Resting in Peace
~~~
But this was different
There would be no scripture read
No fine words to send you off
And in my arms, I saw
Death’s true face
Filled with the pain and fear
As your end drew near
~~~
I told you everything would be okay
And we both knew that was untrue
For the wounds received that day
Would end this life for you
But I held on with all I had
As if wishing could change that
Oh, if wishing only could
~~~
We had shared a blood oath
To keep each other from harm
But I had always hoped
It would be me saving you
And now, with tables turned
I wanted to recant that vow
Feeling unworthy of the cost
~~~
Rest, my brave brother-in-arms
Nothing can touch you now
And if I survive the day
It will be because of you
I guess heaven needed a Marine
And I hope they know
They got one of the best
Rest now, brother, rest
~~~
commonsensiblyspeaking 
so heartrending
Thanks, Beth!
We always talk of war in the big scheme, the hundreds or thousands who died, leaving only the people who have lost a loved one to it to feel the effects of war on the much smaller scheme of one life. And that group of family and friends don’t think about the suffering of the brother-in-arms who held their loved one while they lay dying. I can’t help but think that such an act has to be one of the most difficult parts of being in the service.
Thanks, sis! Like most things, it is a matter of perspective. Certainly not the easiest part of being in the service and one of the hardest to put into words.
Beautifully written
Thank you, Emma!
Very well said my friend and very true the feelings.
You and I hold some memories it is not easy to share. Thank you, my brother!
Thank you my brother!
I’m sobbing! 😭
And here I had hoped that I would never be the person responsible for your tears!
Aww, well, I meant it as a compliment. You have always tugged at my heart strings. ❤
This is such a beautiful piece and you have me crying too.
Thank you, Jonikins!