Semper Fi

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The flag’s on the table, folded precise and exact

Awaiting the moment gloved hands would extract

Its full measure and meaning as they unfurl with great care

This symbol of freedom, for which eagles dared

Open in its glory while Taps haunts the grounds

Open still as the guns salute, 21 rounds

IMG_3169They stand in the distance, these old volunteers

Aged eyes strain to see what old ears can not hear

The sign that it’s time, to raise, aim, and fire

The salute to the memory of this beloved spouse and sire

The brass hits the grass as our tears hit our chests

While the tear stains remain, the brass is gathered in respect

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Off to their left, in Marine dress so smart

A man and his bugle awaits his start

To show his respect for a brother not met

To guide him to rest on his longest journey yet

Silently white gloves refold the old girl

But from this moment on, no more to unfurl

Turning on a dime, pacing five steps

Eyes ever forward, toward her he crept

He kneels and hands over this flag and this brass

As he speaks to her quietly, his face sheds the mask

I can see the sincerity, respect, and sadness

For this brother, sight unseen, but remembered none the less

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Semper Fidelis he spoke when rising

Semper Fidelis I whispered, not surprising

To the man, marine, husband, and my father

Semper Fi

Always Faithful

I’ll live it

All my love

…your daughter

Published by

Rhonda

Hi everyone! Welcome to 50 Shades of Gray Hair. 50 Shades is my blog of life over the hill, where each day is full of delicious opportunities to earn another gray hair. I stopped declaring war on the gray when I began this blog years ago. Instead, I embrace and celebrate them along with whatever life decides to throw my way, with (sarcasm forward) humor and an optimistic eye to the future. I think. I hope? I don't know. At any rate...it's real, it's honest, it's full of 4 letter words, and it's me...on a platter. I sincerely welcome you all to my porch....♥♥Rhonda

23 thoughts on “Semper Fi”

    1. Good morning Audra. Thank you and I’m grateful for them all too. Not to mention my extended family or In-Laws…just between my father, brothers, and son, there are 60 years of service.

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    1. Thank you NB…it’s one of those times when you hate as hard as you love…but in the end, I’m so damned proud to have been his daughter, that it was more important to honor his beliefs than mourn his death. Something like that anyway.

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            1. If only! If ever I’m able…bet your Canadian Ass I will. Heyyyyyyyyyy….good name for a Canadu beer eh? Canadian Ass? (brown bottle of course) 😉

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Nice-n-Easy...but tell it like it is