THE TWENTY ONE STEPS

With a sharp “click” of the heels the walk begins,
Twenty one steps, each exactly the same.
Followed by a twenty one second pause;
To reflect on those who sleep, Heroes fallen without a name.

The twenty one gun salute,
Is given to precious few.
Therefore twenty one is used to honor,
These patriots who died for me and you.

His uniform, rifle and manner,
Are polished and perfect, the best he can do.
This dedication and honor is for his brothers,
Who fought for the red, white and blue.

No man knows how or when they fell,
But their deeds are legion and plain to all.
Their sacrifices and trials unknown,
Suffered in answer to their nation's call.

We honor them with this monument,
Tended and guarded by their brothers, dear.
“The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”
Hallowed to soldiers from far and near.

No one will ever know their stories,
Of how they lived and died.
For theirs was a lonely passing,
Attended only by their courage and pride.

And what of their brothers still living,
Guarding and protecting us all?
Do they not deserve the same honor and respect,
As they live and die, stand and fall?

Has not God in all His Glory,
Given them this Spirit so bold?
And does He not continue to bless us,
And protect our nation from evil untold?

Always remember this Monument,
The Twenty One Steps, and for whom they stand.
And also remember their brothers,
Who still serve and die in foreign lands.

Copyright 2007 Thomas C. Caplinger All rights reserved.
“God answers knee-mail!”