Terry D. Sutherland

THE CEREMONY

It was Christmas, when the flag draped casket arrived
Two somber soldiers stayed with it, every step of the ride
Their heart wrenching duty was much harder than war
With choice, they’d done anything but knock on that door

Their duty was clear; they executed it with grace
They stayed with their comrade while he lied in state
They stayed through the night and through the next day
During the funeral they bowed their heads and prayed

As they lowered the casket into the cold ground
They listened in reverence to the sad bugle sound
They folded the flag with precision and pride
They presented it carefully to the fallen soldier’s bride