And God wept;
he wept as he saw his soldier coming home.
His eyes lifted to the sky
he knew he would rise into and live within.
God shed his tears,
not for His gain,
but for the loss of those behind.

Soldiers will be called
from the fields of war,
from their homes,
and from their loved ones -
their hearts broken by memories.
Memories are given
to never forget;
the dull ache will subside.
Yet, God wept.

God wept for his soldier,
acting brave in the face of the unknown.
"I love you(s)" left unsaid,
embraces not given,
and things left undone -
but the soldier had received his call.
God wept.

The long journey through life
now has ended.
The sun setting in the west;
the bugle playing its final song.
As the sun lowers beyond the hills
and the waters horizon,
God wept for those below.

"Look to the west"
He says into the sun;
"look there for memory".
"I will not take him far from where you are"
He promises to the wind.
"My soldier is needed here,
but your love will keep him close"
He speaks almost to himself,
and He wept.

S.M.M. (2004)


For those of you who know me, you are likely to know that Reagan's death caught me in a very emotional way. He is my President. He was the one I remember speaking after the Challenger explosion, the one I remember sending condolences to my family after my father passed away, and the one promising to take down the Berlin Wall. I know these things were not done alone, but he was the figure-head I tied to them all. So, this last week, I cried. I cried for the loss of his family, for his release from being so ill, and for the loss of our Nation. Like many, I was held to the ceremony. I remember the military funeral and honors bestowed upon my father and hold a very dear respect for it. Mostly, I will hear the echo of Taps resounding in my mind - the final moment to say 'goodbye'. Goodbye is not forever and a lifetime is not too long to remember those who have left us. Just look to the sun as it sets in the west and let past memories in.

Mr. President, Rest in Peace.