Remembering

Their backs stooped with age
and grief wearing remnants
of proud old uniforms they
blink tears at the memory
of those who remain forever
young in their memory.
Companions at arms sharing
the exuberance of young men
heeding their country's call
to defeat an army of merciless
killers responding to their
own nation's call upon the
youth of the day, eager to serve
wearing their uniforms and
their rifles, their aspirations as
brave smiling faces of unlined
youth. Perishing in their effort.
Never to grow old and to weep.