Bury me with Soldiers

Memorial Day flags

All gave some. Some gave all.

Thought I would share a treasured poem as we think of the fallen today and their families. 


BURY ME WITH SOLDIERS 

I’ve played a lot of roles in life; 

I’ve met a lot of men. 

I’ve done some things I’d like to think I wouldn’t do again 

And though I’m young, I’m old enough 

To know someday I’ll die. 

And think about what lies beyond, And 

Besides whom I would lie. 


Perhaps it doesn’t matter much; 

Still if I had my choice, 

I’d want a grave amongst soldiers when 

At last death quells my voice 

I’m sick of the hypocrisy 

Of lectures by the wise 

I’ll take the man with all his flaws 

Who goes, though scared, and dies. 


The troops I know were commonplace; 

They didn’t want the war 

They fought because their fathers and 

Their father’s fathers had before. 

They cursed and killed and wept – 

God knows they’re easy to deride – 

But bury me with men like these; 

They faced the guns and died. 


It’s funny when you think of it, 

The way we got along. 

We’d come from different worlds 

To live in one, where no one belongs 

I didn’t even like them all and, 

I’m sure they’d all agree. 

Yet, I would give my life for them, 

I hope. Some would for me. 


So bury me with soldiers, please 

Though much maligned they be 

Yes, bury me with soldiers, for 

I miss their company. 

We will not soon see their like again 

We’ve had our fill of war. 

But, bury me with men like them 

Till someone else does more!

Rev. Charles R. Fink

Rob Campbell

Rob Campbell