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The Last Bell Tolls For You

The Bell

This poem was written by Ian Tenney


The wind moved across the field

as it had for years

But today it carried the sound of pipes

it tasted the salt of our tears

Before us lay their helmets

atop the flags and polished wood

And each alone with our thoughts and prayers

silently we stood

The better to hear the pipes and the words

those sound that carried their souls

Away from the smoke and dark and heat

to where we stood on the knoll

We stood at attention as the flags made their way

to the parents, husbands, wives and children

Of the members of our family

we were sending off that day

I saluted as the flags were presented

as the pipes faded into the air

And as I looked to the battered helmets

I knew our brothers and sisters were there

They were there as we were

to bid their family and friends goodbye

For they had one more alarm to answer

requested from beyond the sky

None of us could see them

but they were with us still

Their faces were in the voices and thoughts and air

as for a moment even the wind stood still

And now the tears run free down our faces

on the knoll that will be their earthly home

All hands stand fast and silent

listening for their final tone

I know they're going to heaven

because they've done their time in hell

And I know that they will get their wings

when the chaplain rings his bell.

In Memory . . . . .

Of those we have lost, and to those who are still with us.
For our friends, loved ones, and faces unknown.
They are our Heroes.
They live in our hearts for ever! No matter where they are.