They'Re Changing Guard! Poem by Robert Edgar Burns

They're changing guard right now at noon
Out here in front of this glorious tomb!
The unknown soldier who gave his life
To give us all freedom does lie now inside!

They're changing guard at this glorious tomb!
Every thirty minutes a new guard will resume.
Twenty one steps he will take then each way,
Twenty one seconds he pauses for his about face!

They're changing guard right now at one.
It's been a half hour, now a new guard has come!
These guards swear an oath for the rest of their lives,
They won't cuss in public or any alcohol try!

They're changing guard and this isn't a show.
A hundred and seventy five soldiers are buried below!
At Arlington, A charge of honor to serve in this way,
The Third Infantry Regiment of Fort Myer repays.

They're changing guard now well past noon.
Rifles on their shoulders opposite of the tomb!
It takes them five hours every single day
To ready their uniforms before arriving this way!

They're changing guards who have no wrinkles or lint,
No creases in uniforms, full length mirrors prevent!
Uninterrupted all day and by night,
Even storms can't prevent this magnificent sight!

They're changing guards and only once did obey,
When ordered to leave as a storm came their way.
They stood their ground as branches flew by, for
HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN
SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD!