MEMORIES

Of "Smitty," a comrade

Rest, old buddy, rest---
Now mid the silent movements while the millions turn grateful hearts your way.
Your loves, your comrades, no in the stirring pause of ailing tribute
My heart remembers carefree days, and windswept nights we shared together.
Pace by pace the heavy mile, side by side through tempest calm or hell.
Till God lad you in your final bivouac and sent me marching farther on.
Alone, alone old buddies.
Yes, but hardly alone, for where I am, your are in glowing spirit.
And where you are, valor stands a watch.
Under the sentry of the skies you sleep.
Who will protect you now because you gave such a gift to courage and posterity
That none deserves such blissful sleep as you.
Rest, old buddies, rest. WE DON'T FORGET.