Ray W. Sarlin

MEMORY OF A FALLEN RANGER

I’d like to think I knew him,
Since in my arms he died.
Shredded by tiny fragments,
God knows the medics tried.

That he lived so long at all
Once the explosives blew.
Testifies to God knows what,
I wish that I knew too.

Thirty-two years later on
I can’t recall his name.
Though I swore to not forget
My God, I feel such shame.

But if his name has vanished,
And God knows that is real.
His heroism hasn’t dimmed,
His mem’ry stirs me still.

But my real disgrace I fear
Not his forgotten name,
But other’s expectations
I tried but couldn’t claim.

He’d written wife and children
Cheap Charlie had his pic
To draw a velvet painting
And make them less heartsick.

Reply to my condolence
Came as this simple plea
If I didn’t mind too much
Send his painting ‘cross the sea.

I wrote back that I would try.
And try we did in vain.
Days and weeks and months passed by
Time came to board my plane.

If I should recall his name
Though thirty years have passed,
May his actions give me strength
To write his kin at last.

I’d like to think I knew him,
Since in my arms he died,
Shredded by tiny fragments:
God, help my pain subside