Oh Soldier Poem by Liilia Talts Morrison

They say old soldiers never die
they simply fade away
and rumor has it cowards pass
as oft as fear holds sway

Folk wisdom loves to tell of how
bold heroes lives will end
when fate metes out appointed times
and human foil transcends

Yet none has said or dared impute
a soul of faith dies too
or who can know or surely tell
what lies beyond the blue?

From wounded limbs and well scarred trunks
bursts forth fresh sap from trees
although a dagger pierces deep
new shoots tempt winter's freeze

All swords and weapons made by hand
are meant to rust away
who's seen the blade that cuts through all
and none on earth can slay?

When all bold armor has been dropped
on battlefields of shame
when blood and striving come to end
a still small voice remains

'Oh soldier, ' it begins to say
''Tis time to rest, it's late.
True victory is not for those
who march with prideful gait.

'Rewards untold await beyond
all earthly pomp and pow'r
and they are offered just in time
in an undreamed of hour.

''Tis meet munitions now to toss
upon the heap of bones
and feel the coolness of the earth
from which all life has grown.'

They say old soldiers never die
they simply fade away
and rumor has it cowards pass
as oft as fear holds sway.