They Fold A Flag

By Milton E. McKinney ©

aka  Breaktrack.

I watched hands fold a flag today,

I watched and cried and went away.

I wanted to, but could not stay,

They’ll fold more flags another day.

They fold a flag for honor won,

A fallen daughter, a fallen son.

So careful so that when they’re done,

It’s fit to hand to their loved one.

A hand is careful, and so slow,

No need to impress, no need for show,

They smooth each crease, then fold and go,

We honor them, so all will know.

Thirteen folds so careful and true,

Thirteen folds before they’re through.

Thirteen folds they’re asked to do,

Before they hand that flag to you.

You smooth a wrinkle so minute,

Their sacrifice none can refute.

The grief and sadness can’t dilute

The meaning of your sharp salute,

You turn and face their loved ones there,

You march to them so you can share,

A sense of just how much we care.

The warriors loss that’s hard to bear.

A grateful nation still stands tall,

A grateful nation loves them all.

This flag a symbol of the call,

For freedom lives where brave men fall.

I watched hands fold a flag today,

I watched and cried and went away.

I wanted to, but could not stay,

They’ll fold more flags another day.

Copyright ©2006 by Milton McKinney