KAY MERKEL BORUFF

SOLDIER OF FREEDOM

We praise today and honor one who's left us,
A faceless, nameless man who saved our past.
He never saw awards, his name upon the Wall;
He fought for God and country that they last.
He risked his life for family and loved ones.
The "Zone of Silence" was his battleground.
Her felt the sting of battle, tearing at his heart,
Preserving precious freedom as it's cast.

He knew when he was called to meet his destiny,
His mission now completed, battles won.
He paid the price of liberty, eternal vigilance,
No honor, glory, or medals for his sacrifices done.
A gallant Soldier of Freedom, among the chosen few,
To some unwelcome mercenary come to fight in foreign lands.
His valor known to comrades recorded by his Post,
His memory is honored as we face the setting sun.

On wings of eagles you sailed away, into the blazing night.
Oh, gentle noble man, we live without your guiding light.
Mothers, daughters, wives, and sons, you left to save our land.
Lighting freedom's torch above, you rest beside God's hand.

In raging rivers, endless plains, and steamy jungles' heat,
On towering mountains a way of life binds true.
A secret oath we pledge, we wanders of the world;
We gather now to pass the word of men who were but few.
A single word steals life from death's prison and for us too.
A rising sun brings hope to fathers of these gallant sons,
These men who sleep in dreamless silent slumber,
To keep this way of life for Thee and you.

©Copyright circa 2003 by Kay Merkel Boruff

Author’s Note: For Jon Merkel, killed 1970, flying in Laos for Air America. I wrote the poem for China Post One VFW for a reunion. The words are lyrics to a song used as a memorial