The Scout - a Saluting Scene for a U.S. Marine
(for Ricky)
A lovely lad, with soul sublime,
Accomplished much in such short time.
This golden boy, without a crime,
He lived and died before his prime.
This stellar student, in his class,
Applied himself without trespass.
In sport and music, he'd amass
Awards and honors at each pass.
He graduated, then enrolled,
A soldier: handsome, tall and bold.
In war-torn countries, he patrolled
And proudly served, with heart of gold.
A second tour of duty called.
The orders came; he was installed.
In cities where the people brawled,
As governments were overhauled.
At home, his bride awaited word;
With every letter, hope deferred,
Until the officers unheard
Arrived to tell her afterward.
He fought the fight, as he had sworn.
Now we salute him, though we mourn.
His broken body's been reborn,
Away from terror, strife and scorn.
We think he'd best be here instead,
This soldier, who left much unsaid.
He scouts terrain, a new homestead,
Of his own time, so far ahead.
NOTE:
This poem is for a 23-year-old U.S. Marine Corporal, who was killed in a roadside bombing in Iraq earlier this week. Please join us in praying for Ricky's family, particularly during this difficult time of mourning. Please pray for his young widow, especially as the first anniversary of their wedding arrives next Monday, April 21st.
Just two days before he died, Ricky telephoned his family and assured them that his life was in God's hands. May the Father hold him dearly, while his loved ones cannot.
Published by Linda Ann Nickerson - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle and Sports
Linda Ann Nickerson brings decades of reporting and a globally minded Midwestern perspective to a host of topics, balancing human interest with history, hard facts and often humor. View profile
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13 Comments
Post a CommentThis breaks my heart. Death's always a tragedy. Living under a tyrant is too. I've forwarded this on to military.com
There are so many sad and terrible losses right now...I hope they end soon. Thank you for writing about this.
I'm crying and praying. This poem was so intense that I could visualize the poor boys death. Excellent!!!
what a powerful and moving tribute to a powerful and moving man!!!
How sad that so many of our prime young men and their family must endure this.Thankfully he seemed spiritually ready.Thank you for this tribute to him and so many more.
So sad ............. war is such a terrible thing for anyone to have to go thru ....... Good Job Miss Linda
That's so young to have to die, my age. I will keep his family in my thoughts.
This makes me cry in deep soul-stirring sobs of pain. Lovely tribute to obviously an inspirational young man.
Fantastic tribute. Personally, I believe that the efforts of our men overseas are never a waste of time. It will be a couple of decades before we see it, but the method behind the apparent madness will show the benefit of the U.S. Military's efforts.
Oh, how sad and what a tribute from you. What a beautiful gesture for Ricky and his family. They are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs Mary