The Gold Star Mother
“Dear Mom, Dad, Billy and Baby Sis,
It’s rough out here but I’m with some great guys. We look after each
other, so mom, I’m well taken care of. Believe it or not, there’s no
place I’d rather be. I finally found the place where friendship is
everything and money is nothing. I will be a Marine for the rest of
my life…”
Our little country church is dim and still
I sit and pray for strength to bear God’s will.
A gentle voice consoles me while I pray
“It’s OK Mom, we’ll meet again one day.”
I see a pew where once a proud Marine
Would hold the baby sis he called “the Queen”
Today the pews were full, the soldiers stood
Along the walls, so young, so tall, so good
The people lined the streets as we drove by
The tears welled up and I began to cry
If only I could thank them all I’d say
He’d want to shake each hand, that was his way
The bugles, drums, the Honor Guard, the grave
It’s all a blur except this flag they gave
I hold it to my heart and then I sigh
His father waits. It’s time to say goodbye
A shining marble slab stands on the grass
My dear boy’s face is smiling in the glass
A tribute to a nation, great and just
While we who live endure, in God we trust.
Gerard Maritato a retired family physician currently teaching literature at the high school level. She is an Army veteran from a proud American family of Italian descent, both sides of which have served in four wars. She lives in Tennessee.
