Fred Alvis

FORT BENNING, GEORGIA
(A Sad Vacation Side Trip)

I didn’t see the stone,
we searched many rows.
I called out ‘Hey Pappy”
no answer from below.

The tears started,
when I called out to him.
My heart was saddened,
Daddy, where you been.

My wife called out,
“I have found the stone.”
I hurried to her side
then she left me alone.

Just me and Daddy,
in that great big field;
Just me and daddy,
God, I wish you had lived.

Flooding memories
as well as tears;
my first return visit
after 31 years.

Empty flower vase,
no one seems to care.
I wasn’t the best of sons,
the burdens you had to bare.

More memories of your smile,
the good times we had.
You deserved better,
than the life you had.

A grizzled war veteran,
tough as nails,
you never spoke,
of all your hells.

You shook my hand,
with tears in your eyes.
When I left for NAM,
I remember that good bye.

You never told me you loved me,
nor held me close.
It wasn’t your way,
but of me, you did boast.

I never told you I loved you,
till after it was too late.
I never held you;
I never gave you a break.

We two were in that field,
alone in that field of stone.
Sergeants and Majors quietly listened,
As I told you of home.

I told you of my life,
I cried like a babe.
I cry now,
as I type this about your grave.

Lonely you were,
as many vets are.
When I stood in your shoes,
it was too late by far.

I looked up from the stone,
so many other stones –
all war veterans:
I know you belong.

I miss you dad.