Hero Lost but Not Forgotten

There was a dark and stormy tempest the day that you shipped out,

I know not what the weather was; it was stormy in my heart.

I smiled and waved and kissed you hard, a military wife,

But secretly I wondered if you'd come back into my life.

I went to the parade next day, a solemn fourth day of July

I held one hand against my heart, the other on my womb.

I hadn't told you what I knew, about the life we'd made

I knew not what the future held'"a welcome home or a tomb.

As the fireworks burst in colors against the hot, night sky

I wondered how soon you'd be seeing too

Bursts from guns and rockets and hearing comrades cry.

The months dragged on with no word from you; I tried to live my life.

Our son was born big and strong; the Red Cross sent you word.

I knew I would hear from you then, no matter the battle or strife.

But the chilling reply from the charity said you were nowhere to be found.

Forty-five summers have passed us by since that last farewell,

I still see the man, so handsome and young, and my heart begins to swell.

The fourth of July is your day now as the living celebrate

The freedom that you died to give; that which makes our nation great.