Roberto J. Prinselaar

OF GUNS AND FRIENDS

I lie wrapped in folds of armor plate
within my home as gray as slate
I’m far away from land and shore
In peaceful sleep on a man of war
Come light of day and morning sun
I’ll check the functions of my gun
I’ll check the point and then the train
And then I’ll check it all again
For that’s the gun that lets me sleep
And keeps me from a grave so deep
I’m now asleep, my mind at peace
But will my battles never cease?
The years have gone, the gun is rust
So many friends are now just dust
But they are never far from me
Although some sleep beneath the sea
For them no songs are ever sung
But they will be forever young
Friends and relations shed their tears
Forgotten now these many years
But some of us remember still
Remember them, and always will
I ask them now for my release
Or will my battles never cease