The old soldier
(My father Jack Isaacs. Singing with the angels now)
The old soldier
Some of us had learn. The simple things are so damn sweet. The laughter of children, holding hands with love one’s and dancing in the dark with a pretty lady.
My father told me. Please don’t follow my path. Damn war kill all the kindness we have. We lose more than we shall gain. I followed my father’s footsteps. Now I know.
The days of piss and vinegar youth, spend with good friends. The best days. Soldiers days, long conversation, drinking songs and celebrating victories and sharing losses.
Sister told me. Your face had change. War had killed your kindness. You left us and you didn’t come back. I drink alone in the dark tavern on the days of remembering faces killed in the useless war. I look in the mirror and I see. Old eyes, who had seen too much. I buy two drinks, one for me and one for a miss friend. I raise the glass high and say. To friends here and gone.
The funny part is. I hear the my friend telling me. John, “Man-up and quit crying. Tell my children, I love them and be a good Grandfather for me. Things done are finished. We were soldiers, we fought in faraway wars and we stood tall. Payment due for me and you are alive. No-more tears for me. Live life hard, for me and for you.
Old soldiers don’t cry no-more. He raised his friend whiskey to the sky. He whispered. Save a seat for me in heaven. We will talk again one day my friend.
Coyote
Sorry, hit the wrong button – the 194th/17 A/B
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I see your father was with 174th/17th Airborne Division. R.I.P. trooper.
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Beautiful piece, coyote
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Thank you for reading my friend. I appreciate the comment.
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Airborne!!!
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Very sad and here’s to your father
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Thank you dear Beth. He is in heaven singing with the angels.
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I salute your father, and I salute you John.
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He was a great man and thank you Peter for reading and the kind words.
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This one is really sad, but it holds a lot of truth. Like your old soldier, I think the cost of war is too high. Some of them have to be fought anyway, but most don’t. I like this piece.
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Thank you Syd. I saw many old soldiers drink themselves to death when I served. Some men can forget and some men cannot.
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