A Soldier's Salute

In honor of the poetry tournament so many of my fellow 12 X 12ers are participating in, and for all the heros around the world who gave their all to help make a world a better place for everyone, I dedicate the following poem...

THE HOMECOMING

by: Donna Martin

Walk softly through the creeping vines,

And never lead your heart astray;

‘Til the last dancer touches the floor,

And the fiddler has had his pay.

Play softly ‘til the golden sun sets,

And never let the rains come;

‘Til the last tune sings no more,

And at last they bring you home

Lie softly on your bed of green

And never give up the fight;

‘Til the last flower has had it’s bloom,

And the day leaves with fading light.

Sleep quietly in your darkened abode,

And never stop casting a stone;

‘Til all the stars have lost their shine,

And you find yourself all alone.

Dream sweetly in your world of dreams;

And never let them out of your sight;

‘Til the last mourner has shed a tear,

And at last you welcome the night.

Live forever on in the hearts of men,

And never stop ‘til warriors roam.

‘Til the last hope is cast away,

And they finally bring you home.