Randy E. Richmond

VETERANS WELCOME HERE

Thank you bartender, for listening to me rant;
And thanks for the offer of a beer but, sorry, I just can’t.
I’m back up on this wagon, where it hurts me so to think.
I got a job that I can’t do with my belly full of drink.

About this time every year I go to visit friends.
To a cemetery west of town after the pavement ends.
It’s not been used for many years and it’s overgrown with weeds.
There’s lots of old vet’s buried there who did tremendous deeds.

I pick up cans and bottles and save ‘em up in bags.
And once a year I sell them to buy some little flags.
I seldom ever get enough for every veteran there.
But they all get a hand salute from a fellow vet who cares.

The bartender just looked at the man, a tear formed in his eye.
He said, “I’m closing now, but would you please let me give you a ride?
I’d like to go there with you. would you mind much if I did?
I haven’t been to that old place since I was just a kid.”

“Thank you for remembering them again on this Memorial Day.
Thanks for the reminder, and the price you too have paid.
You fought as they did and for that. I thank you lad.
You know, one of the men you’ve honored out there was my own departed dad.”

“So as you place their flags today, please let me lend my aid.
And I’d be proud to march with you in a grand two-man parade!”