Nov

10

THE CONVERSATION

Filed Under Tears of a Warrior, War 

This is a guest post submitted by Ben Heath:

“The conversation was the result of a long day I spent at Arlington to visit three brothers I lost.”

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One simple grave among a sea of others. Thousands of them in all directions, collection of brothers gathering for years.

How could a place ever come to be? How much pain? How much suffering, blood, sweat and tears?

This one before me now though, it was different from the rest. It’s the one that had brought me to this place.

You see, this one here was the brother –I still had to face.

It’s a conversation I’d dreaded for years. I knew he’d be there.

Lost in my thoughts, loaded with burdens I thought I had to bear.

It didn’t take him long, not sure if I was really ready.

I was determined to hold my ground. Stand strong. Stand steady.

He was just as I’d remembered, all dirty, hard lookin and thin.

Bastard was just standin there lookin, with that familiar shit eatin grin.

I spent a long minute, trying to talk. Spittin an cussin, choked up, stuttering, not knowin what to say.

How does one express the feelings, the sorrow left from that horrible, horrible day.

Then in an amused voice, I heard him say—At Ease Brother, why you so tense?

We’re all brothers here. You not makin any sense.

The conversation eased some as he let me off the hook.

He could tell I was struggling. I’m sure I had the look.

He said— Look man, I’m gonna lay it all out for you, so listen to me good.

No excuses, No apologies, Move forward. It’s always where we stood.

Every battlefield takes some brothers; some are just bound to fall.

Others gotta keep movin, fight the fight, raise our flag up proud and tall.

They say those of us here, are the heroes. Cause we gave the ultimate sacrifice.

You guys that made it home, Hell, you gotta get on with ya life.

Don’t worry about us brother. We are all at peace here.

You the one got to deal with the memories year after year after year.

You don’t owe us nuthin; just remember one thing I say.

We did it all for the young ones. Be sure you show em the way.

It wasn’t easy for you to come here, shows you still got some of ya bold.

Now go back to your family. I can see you’re shivering from the cold.

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Oh yeah!! One more thing I forgot.

One of the perks to this place — Beers always cold.

Go now in piece. Not one more day should you bother.

Cause no matter what.  I STILL LOVE YOU BROTHER!!

Ben Heath

Desert Storm Veteran

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