STARFYRE

Written for a beloved former member of The Veterans Group. I shall miss him.

STARFYRE

I shall miss you.
Each time I look at the stars, I will remember you
and the words you wrote and shared with us
in the Veterans Group.

You wrote "My Name Is Soldier"
and of "September In Vietnam"
This morning I searched for them
and they were gone.

Where ever you go, whatever you do
my memories will include you.
From the hell in Vietnam to now
you became a friend, and somehow
I feel a loss more real than I've ever known
for through your writing, a friendship was grown.

You disappeared without a trace,
or my ever having met you, face to face;
Yet you served us well, and I regret
never having had the chance (I'll not forget)
to know you before you had to leave,
as for me, I tend to silently grieve.

Where ever you go, whatever you do -
may the road rise up to meet you -
and may the wind be always at your back,
(an old Irish blessing - for words I lack).
We never know until a friend is gone
with a gentle "Thanks - and so long!"

And I return the words to you -
"Thanks and so long" will have to do.

Countrymom
10/23/06