Michelle Slichter

INTO THE LIGHT

The old man lay, alone at last
His heart did ache, for friends long past

His eyes did wander, to a time long gone
A war that ended, but still lingers on

Thinking back slowly, a smile did spread
Across his lips, and heart it led

His friends so young, and filled with hope
They dreamed of life, and prayed they cope

They laughed so free, their dreams they laid
For life ahead, such plans they made

But dreams did end, for some not all
When war stepped in, and friends did fall

A time of hope, seemed far away
For soldiers left, and so they’d pray

For life beyond, this time of fear
No time to mourn, no single tear

The old man wept, and wished he’d see
His comrades lost, but no longer be

His heart did yearn, for times long past
When friendships forged, forever would last

The old man stopped, his eyes now wide
For stood before him, was a vision of pride

He wiped his eyes, now filled with tears
His heart beat faster, but not with fears

For stood before him, were friends long passed
They smiled so warmly, reunited at last

One soldier smiled, and stood close to the bed
Extending his hand, to the light the man led

The old man smiled; in his heart was no fear
He knew he was safe, with his friends oh so dear

He stood with no pain, in his body so old
And joined those he lost, whose hands he could hold

As friends they did walk, to the light straight ahead
Together once more, the young soldier said

The old man stopped, and turned one last time
To see the old life, he had left behind

Seeing his smile, as though in sleep
The old man turned, with the memories he’d keep

No longer tired, and feeling no pain
The young soldier walked, with his friends once again

United in friendship, their destiny in sight
The soldiers strode proudly, into the light