Written for Mr. Buck, and read at his funeral–Prattville, AL
(A Memorial Day Salute)
JUST A COMMON SOLDIER
Just a common soldier…
He was getting old and paunchy,
And his hair was falling fast…
And he sat around the Legion
Telling stories of his past,
Of a war he had fought in
And the deeds he had done.
In his exploits with his buddies,
They were heroes, every one…
And though sometimes to his neighbours,
His tales became a joke.
All his Legion buddies listened,
For they knew whereof he spoke…
But we’ll hear his tales no longer,
For old Bill has passed away.
And the world’s a little poorer,
For a soldier died today.
He was just a common soldier…
And his ranks were growing thin.
But his presence should remind us,
We may need his like again,
For when countries are in conflict…
Then we find the soldier’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That others often start.
If we cannot give him honour
While he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage
At the ending of his days.
Perhaps a simple notice
In a paper that would say,
“Our Country is in mourning,
‘Cause a soldier passed away”.
–Susan C. Kussman Miller
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