Back Pew
I watch from my seat as the crowd files in
The widow and children sobbing with grief
They knew the end was near, that you were sick, yet still it's a shock
To the most important people you knew, I'm a stranger
And yet I'm here
With others you probably never met
Hearing the sermons and words of loved ones, I start to get a sense of who you were
It seems to drag on until everything stops
Then we all stand and walk down the aisle
Uniform pants, dress blues, and polished shoes
Last and least of all is me
We hug those grieving or shake their hands
We line up outside, shivering in the winter wind
There's one last duty we must perform
Even rows on either side
I've never been here before. What do I do?
Head up, arms down, back straight
And now come six men, struggling with the weight
The command rings in the air "DETAIL! SALUTE!"
Mine is clumsy; no one has ever taught me how to do it
I don't know the man being carried to the engine
But because I volunteer, he is my brother
Salutes down, the crowds disperse, my hand is numb
I shove it in my pocket
I hope you are at peace