Here Comes Goodbye

Early morning light on an old dirt road,

Coffee in hand, stories untold.

Whisper of the wind, silent and deep,

Thoughts of the brave, their promises to keep.

See the horizon, military shades in view,

Humvees roll in, shadows breaking through.

Heart sinks heavy, uneasy and tight,

Knowing today, we lose another fight.

Gentle man steps out, voice soft but clear,

"Sir, are you related to Paul Ryan, dear?"

Here comes goodbye, never easy to say,

A hero's now resting, in their final replay.

Though the tears fall, the pain runs deep,

In our hearts forever, their memories keep.

He nods, voice trembling with sorrow,

"He passed away, but his legacy will follow."

Coffin carves a path, 'neath the flag so bright,

Another hero gone, into the night.

Hands gently pull me, their grip so tight,

"Hold on, brother, hold on, through the night."

Here comes goodbye, never truly apart,

In our souls, they live, a perpetual start.

In every breath, in every sigh,

We remember their sacrifice, we say goodbye.

Not the end, just a new start,

In the afterlife, where they play their part.

See you again, beyond the sky,

Until then, here comes goodbye.

Walking back home, shadows cast long,

Hearts heavy, but still so strong.

One more soul in the great sky,

Rest now, brother, your watch is nigh.