Just a Common Soldier

And he sat around the Legion telling stories of his past.

Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,

In his exploits with his buddies - they were heroes, everyone.

And though sometimes to his neighbors, his talks became a joke,

All his Legion buddies listened, for they know whereof he spoke.

But we’ll hear his tales no longer, for old Bill has passed away,

And the world’s a little poorer, for a soldier died today.

He was just a common soldier, and his ranks are growing thin,

But his presence should remind us we many need his like again,

For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier’s part

Is to clean up all the troubles that others often start.

If we cannot give him honor, while he’s here to hear the praise,

Then at least let’s give him homage, at the ending of his days.

Perhaps a simple notice in a paper that would say,

“Our Country is in mourning, ‘cause a Soldier passed away.”