The Gold Star

I took the road ”less traveled” and arrived upon a shore

Where sunlight danced on surface currents-opening a door

To memories of you and me –our feet upon the sand

And how our voices filled the air as your touch filled my hand.

You were just a little child but even then you knew

That giving of yourself was all that you were meant to do,

And day by day you walked the path that led you toward the day

You’d place your country and its worth ahead of “Self” and say,

“I’ll go and serve and do my part to keep my homeland free,

When others tread a different path it matters not to me,

For this I know and will profess to all who choose to hear,

Our country needs us all to serve and that is why I’m here.”

I stand alone now on that shore, as sorrow fills my brow

A mix of tears and smiles collide with thoughts of then and now,

Yet as I witness warmth and sparkle from the water’s skin,

The silent streams upon my face with brilliant light begin

To fill my heart, the air, this place with who you really are

And what you did and why you had to venture out so far,

So now I’m left without you here- my grief I try to hide

But what I can show is my “star” – it shines as does my pride.

By debb clay-Unit 291