To The Fallen Soldier Poem by Emma Atkinson

Your tombstone, lonely sentinel,
Forever in the battle line,
I wish to remember you.
And though the only trace you lived
Is set in pale grey stones,
the hard dry earth a casket for your bones,
I know you have a name.
You were a father, brother, son, once when the world was younger.
I know you walked the ground I walk
And once felt human hunger.
I know your restless soul stirs at the bugle call,
The one that tore you from your home,
Only to let you fall.
What tethers you to earth and keeps you bound a wander,
I pray break free from it, soldiering slumberer.
Be at peace,
That was your cause, the unfathomable concept for which you fought,
And yet, you saw it not.
But I have.
My debt to you, my ageless protector,
Is worth more than I can pay,
And though in life I could not save you,
It is for your soul I pray.
Be free, brave soul,
Break rank and go
To the place your heart has longed for.
March and never stop, until you've reached heaven's door,
And there, soldier, lay down your arms,
And rest forevermore.