Bury Me With Soldiers
Joseph Frankie III
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Rev. Charles R. Fink, a Roman Catholic Priest of St. Philip Neri’s Church in Northport NY., served in Vietnam from March 1969 to March 1970 as a Sergeant in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. (Currently Msgr. Charles R. Fink is Pastor of Our Lady of the Snow, Blue Point, NY.)
This poem was listed on page 100 of Al Nahas' book Warriors Remembered as Author Unknown. It is refreshing to properly cite Msgr. Charles Fink for his poignant poem.
I’ve played a lot of roles in life;
I’ve met a lot of men.
I’ve done some things I’d like to think
I wouldn’t do again
No longer young, I’m old enough
To know someday I’ll die.
And think about what lies beyond, And
Beside whom I would lie.
Perhaps it doesn’t matter much;
Still if I had my choice,
I’d want a grave amongst soldiers when
At last death quells my voice
I’m sick of the hypocrisy
Of lectures of the wise
I’ll take the man with all his flaws
Who goes, though scared, and dies.
The troops I knew were commonplace;
They didn’t want the war
They fought because their fathers and
Their father’s fathers had before.
They cursed and killed and wept ...
God knows they’re easy to deride...
But bury me with men like these;
They faced the guns and died.
It’s funny when you think of it,
The way we got along.
We’d come from different worlds
To live in one, where no one belongs
I didn’t even like them all and,
I’m sure they’d all agree.
Yet, I would give my life for them,
I know some did for me.
So bury me with soldiers, please
Though much maligned they be
Yes, bury me with soldiers, for
I miss their company.
We will not soon see their likes again
We’ve had our fill of war.
But, bury me with men like them
For no else does more!
Sales at The Home Depot
4 个月Love it Charlie
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5 个月Joseph, thanks for sharing!
Author at Warriors Remembered: Vietnam Veterans -- Welcome Home
4 年A small bit of poetry also from Warriors Remembered Memorial Day, May 27, 2002 Warriors Remembered We heard the call; we paid the price. What within us stirred? What seed awakened in us the courage to commit? Is it youth alone that knows the purity of values, Untainted by the issues others argue? Was it duty??Was it pride??Was it the lesson of our fathers? What turned our heads from our secure surroundings? What turned our steps to face the distant drum, Awakened to a yet more noble purpose? Some volunteered; others came when summoned. All made the choice, standing straight to face the call. We heard the call; we answered with our service. We paid the price for others.?Let them remember. We gathered separately, then bonded without knowing, Until we met no strangers in the brotherhood of arms. Some carried on through gallant deeds of sacrifice. Some were struck down by senseless acts of war. Some in wonder breathed new life at finding they were spared. The bond of soldiers fueled our steps. Our love of comrade higher, than even noble purpose. Indeed we fought for country and for freedom, But in the end, fought only for each other. Our duty to our brothers right and left. Those who have not walked these steps can never comprehend, Nor can words express what smiles and glistening eyes say so completely between brothers. Many did not return, some whose fates remain unknown. Many more returned forever changed, Quietly different; never voicing change so obvious to those who know them. It mattered not what politicians argued. It mattered not what history would reveal. We had no expectation but to serve where duty called us. We asked for no reward except a nation’s thanks. Albert J. Nahas Colonel, USA (Retired) Vietnam 1968-1970
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4 年Yes, Joe Frankie III , this is a powerful poem. Thank you for finding and sharing.
President at Strategic Investment Consulting, Inc.
4 年Joe thank you for sharing, what a wonderful poem.