Salute
He is an aged man
He has an aged mind
His memory is paved
His wife can only sigh
He only ever stands in attention
His hands constantly salute
Many people feel guilt to mention
Pointing out abnormalities is rude
She defends her hubby
She stays by his side
"He always salutes probably to be funny"
But soon she'll know what he hides
Her Uncle in-law visits
His breath stops when he sees the salute
She says it's just a funny habit
But he decides to finally share the truth
"Let me tell you a horrible story of a young boy."
...
"Goodbye son, your uncle will be your care."
A tall, pale muscular man walks in
"I'm sure he has many war stories to share."
The boy covers his fear with a grin
His parents leave the silent home
He is only left with a fateful glare
The silence broke
"Come on boy, let's play upstairs!"
"Lets jump on the bed"
The boy thought it would be fun
The uncle grabs the boys head
So the boy cannot run
His arms are held down
As his clothes are thrown off
The boy must scream, instead he only frowns
The uncle had finally had enough
Once the uncle was through
He salutes
"You remember, don't you?"
"A soldier must be strong,
Never talk about your battle,
Stand in attention,
and Salute like a soldier."
The boy Salutes and stands straight
Gathered tears in his eyes
He is determined to keep strength
So he must not cry
...
The woman stands up in fury
She slams her palm across his face
Her eyes turn toward her hubby
He returns her glance
Then he stands and Salutes
Her heart shatters
His heart is still torn
He says not a word
She says not a word
She screams out
Sorrow and rage
The Uncle walks out
She can never look at him the same
He salutes again and again rapidly...