A Letter

Zachary Shornick

Dear Mr. and Mrs.

I regret to inform that, as of last night, your son is no more

When he was in battle he fell to his knees

The nurses and doctors could not meet his needs

He fell with courage, with grace, and sans shame

I am proud to inform that we’ll remember his name (forever)

“Forever,” you said, “he’d live on forever”

He promised his girl he’d be back to get her

We know this is hard, but we’re here to help

Attached are the medals for when he excelled

No Mr. and Mrs., we have the right house

We double-checked records; it’s your son, undoubtedly

One shot had missed, but two were dead on

One injured his liver, the other, his arm

He cried just a little, but held back most tears.

He laughed and said “death was the last of my fears”

“Never,” you wept, “never go back there”

Just two shots had killed him, the other struck air

“You’re done with the army,” you cried as he waved

If he only listened, he may have been saved

While, Mr. and Mrs., we know this is tough

You must learn to cope and keep your chins up

Included are possessions which he left behind:

Letters from comrades and friends and the kind,

Toothpaste, and dog-tags, a photo for your wall

Without a doubt, he was a role model for all

“Remember,” you wrote him, “please son, remember”

“Watch for stray bullets, try not to get hurt”

If he only listened, he may have been saved

From whom did he learn to be so naïve?

Sincerely, his sergeant, we wish you the best

Signed Robert E. Mills, and then a P.S.:

“Burdens are lighter when carried by two

We want you to know that we’re here for you.”