A Hero's Homecoming

He stood there, as a solemn taps rang out through the air. The rain beaded on the rim of his cap. His uniform, tucked away under his cloak. The flag draped casket, slowly moving down the lane, the carriage's wheels creaking as they went. men and women old and young, Their tears hidden by the rain. as he moved down the lane, marching in step with the carriage, rifle on shoulder....streams of tears ran down his face. this is the time for a soldier to cry, no enemies near to see him weak. His tears obscured by mother natures own. as he lifted the casket and placed it on his shoulder, brothers in arms made sure he did not waiver. For they are a team, they are one. they who have fought together, laughed together, cried together and died together. but now they bury their own. The flag is folded and presented to his son the tender age of 5, so much left undone. The boy looked up from far below, a tear came to his eye why did daddy go? he did not ask but did this, saluted the man, the soldier that had brought his daddy home. and with a tear in his eye, the old soldier did not let show, quickly returned the gesture from down far below, and as they lay him in the ground below, twenty-one shots rang out through the bitter rain,cold,and sorrow. they crackled through the cemetery for a hero that was now home.