Sadness comes over me, as I gaze out over the cemetary.
I can't quite understand why he died, I only know that he is gone.
The minister says the words to try and comfort those who are in attendance,
but somehow, I don't think it helps, the wife sits there in tears, the family is stunned.
Why was he taken so suddenly?
The soldiers stand at attendance, rifles ready and a
flag is draped over the casket, in accordance with protocol.
Once the minister is through with his words, giving the person up to God,
the soldiers raise their rifles to shoot. Bang-bang-bang, the sounds of the rifles sound as one.
It almost seems to go through each one standing there.
Then a soldier plays taps, and there isn't a dry eye in the whole crowd.
Once he is near the end, another soldier plays taps again, but this time,
it is like an echo because he seems to be so far away.
Once he is done, two soldiers fold up the flag and it is presented to the widow.
It is done, the service is over, but life must go on.
She walks slowly, not even thinking what will happen next.