Pain of A Nation

Their silent pain is the color of our flag-
Lifted for all to see yet often overlooked.
Still our heroes fight for us.
They stand alone against nightmares that torture their souls.
Now they fight for one more day.
Tell their parents what can't be explained.
Lower their body but their spirit still flies.
I strain my neck to see you now-
Knowing you found the peace you were fighting for.
I remember you.
Those dry days and cold lonely nights were not in vain.
I never had the chance to say thank you to your face-
So I bow my head alone at your grave.



A Tribute To The Greatest Friend and Brother: Derrin M. Shaw       
                                                               1984- 2008